Mode of delivery for vertex-nonvertex twin gestations

Objective: To compare the neonatal outcome of vaginally delivered (VD) to that of abdominally delivered (CS) vertex-nonvertex (Vx/NVx) twins. Methods: Vx/NVx live nonanomalous twin gestations greater than or equal to25 weeks delivered from 1984 to 2000 were divided into two groups: VD (N=138), and CS (N=79). The outcome of the second twin was compared. Results: The vaginal. delivery rate for the Vx/NVx twins was 63.6%. The median Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, respectively, were significantly lower in VD [7 (0-9) and 9 (1-10)] compared to CS [8 (2-10) and 9 (2-10)]. The neonatal mortality was also higher in VD (109/1000 vs. 38/1000, p=0.040). Differences in the 1-min Apgar scores persisted when infants <1500 g were excluded. ALL other neonatal outcome variables studied including respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, trauma, seizures, and Length of nursery stay were similar. On logistic regression analysis, vaginal delivery of Vx/NVx twins marginally increased low 5-min Apgar scores and neonatal deaths. Conclusion: Vagina( delivery in vertex-nonvertex twins was achieved in 63.6% of cases at the expense of a higher incidence of Low 1- and 5-min Apgar scores and neonatal death. (C) 2004 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.