Author Of 1 Presentation
IMPACT OF THE MULTIPLE BIRTH ON THE OUTCOME IN EXTREMELY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEWBORNS
Abstract
Background
Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) is an issue of growing importance because the increasing survival likelihood of premature babies.
Objectives
To evaluate the impact of the multiple birth on the oucome of ELBWNs.
Methods
One hundred and eighty-two ELBWNs were examined from the delivery to the discharge. The patients were divided in two groups: 1 – from single pregnancies, and 2 – twins. The twins were divided in two subgroups: 2a (from natural conception) and 2b (after in-vitro fertilization – IVF). The data of obstetric anamnesis, birth, mortality, morbidity and outcome at the discharge were compared. The data were calculated using software statistical packages STATGRAPHICS v. 4.0; SPSS v. 13.0 and EXCEL for Windows. The significance of the conclusions was fixed by p < 0.05.
Results
The twins were 35,7% of all ELBWNs, significantly often were delivered via Caesarean section (CS) and more rarely were prenatally infected compared to Group 1. In the neonatal period, Group 2 significantly more often suffered from anemia, intraventricular haemorrhage, persistent ductus arteriosus; required longer mechanical ventilation and later achieved optimal nutritive tolerance. After the neonatal period, they often suffered from residual cerebral damages, severe hypotrophy, required longer hospital stay and half of them were discharged with residual problems. The groups did not significantly differ according to the mortality.
Conclusion
According to our data, more than one third of ELBWNs were twins. The multiple birth is an independent factor which may cause ELBWNs-birth and may impact their long term outcome. IVF does not play a role in this outcome.