[Hypertension in twin pregnancy]. / Patologia ipertensiva nella gravidanza gemellare.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An increase of twin pregnancies has been observed during the last ten years and if not correctly treated, they may determine a situation at risk for mother and fetus. METHODS: The research intends to analyze the results obtained by the observation of 200 twin births in the period between 1991 and 1996 at the Obstetric and Gynaecological Clinic of the University of Rome "La Sapienza". The analysis has been made over a sample, observing the number of women showing arterial hypertension in pregnancy, the possible repercussions on fetus, and the morphological analysis of the placenta. RESULTS: Eleven women had blood pressure values of 130-90 mmHg (5.5%), albuminuria was not found, [five of them had only hypertension (2.3%) and six had hypertension associated with oedema]. The rate of premature delivery was 66.6%, while rate of term delivery was 66.7%. Delivery was spontaneous in 65% of cases, and caesarean section in 35%. Newborns were classified 80% as AGA (Appropriate for Gestational Age), and 20% as SGA (Small for Gestational Age). CONCLUSIONS: In personal experience with twin pregnancy, good results have been obtained with an early correction of risk factors (obesity, lower legs swellings, proteinuria), an intensive therapy, rest, cervical cerclage (if incontinent cervix is present), routinely hospitalization during the acute phase of the disease and a careful monitoring. This permitted to treat in time risk subjects, and to avoid gestosis syndrome.