Apgar scores in assessing morbidity of the second neonate of cephalic/non-cephalic twins in different delivery modes

Abstract

Our study was undertaken to determine whether caesarean section for the second of cephalic/non-cephalic presenting twins may prevent or diminish neonatal morbidity. For this study, 482 cephalic/non-cephalic presenting twins admitted to our hospital were retrospectively evaluated. They were separated into two groups according to their delivery mode: vaginal or caesarean delivery. Records of Apgar score (<7) at 5 min, seizure occurrence, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and duration, need for mechanical ventilation and perinatal mortality of second twins were compared. Second fetuses' mortality rates of the two groups were similar. NICU admission rate and duration, seizure and mechanical ventilation necessity rates of second fetuses were similar for both groups. Only 5 min Apgar score rates of the vaginal group were lower than the caesarean group. Caesarean section for cephalic/non-cephalic presenting twins does not decrease morbidity scores but provides effective improvement on morbidity of second fetus, according to Apgar scores.

Keywords:

• Apgar score
• caesarean section
• cephalic twins
• morbidity
• non-cephalic twins
• vaginal birth