Assisted Reproduction · Safety and Risks

Neonatal outcome of spontaneous and assisted twin pregnancies

Zuppa AA, Maragliano G, Scapillati ME, Crescimbini B, Tortorolo G

Published March 27, 2001 European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, 95(1), 68-72
DOI 10.1016/s0301-2115(00)00372-9 PMID 11267723

Abstract

Objectives

Over the last 10 years, diffusion of assisted reproduction techniques (ovarian stimulation, IVF, GIFT) has led to an increased incidence of multiple pregnancies and consequently, of the related obstetric-neonatal problems. In this study, multiple births have been studied, with particular reference to the twin births occurring in the Gemelli hospital, Rome. The hospital is also a reference centre for obstetric pathologies and infertility treatment. In particular, attention has been focused on neonatal outcome, comparing twins born from spontaneous and assisted pregnancies.

Study Design

228 neonates from spontaneous twin pregnancies and 32 from assisted twin pregnancies were taken into consideration with regard to: premature birth, low birth-weight, intrauterine growth retardation, weight discordance, Apgar score, major neonatal diseases, and mortality.

Results

Results showed a significant higher incidence of prematurity and low birth-weight, as well as a significant lower gestational age, occurring more frequently in twins resulting from assisted pregnancies than in twins from spontaneous pregnancies. Furthermore, the incidence of severe depression at birth and respiratory disease was significantly higher in twins from assisted pregnancies than in those from spontaneous pregnancies, despite similar gestational age and birth-weight.

Topics

Related research

Assisted Reproduction › Safety and Risks › Neonatal and Birth Outcomes · Pregnancy › Multiple Gestation › Multiple Birth Risks
Antonio Alberto Zuppa, Giovanna Maragliano, Maria Eleonora Scapillati, Barbara Crescimbini, Giuseppe Tortorolo
A Zuppa, G Maragliano, M Scapillati, Barb Crescimbini, B Crescimbini, G Tortorolo
PMID 11267723 11267723 DOI 10.1016/s0301-2115(00)00372-9 10.1016/s0301-2115(00)00372-9 Zuppa et al. 2001, Zuppa 2001