Perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies: Association with fetal presentation and mode of delivery / Resultados perinatales en gestaciones gemelares en relación a la presentación de ambos fetos y a la vía del parto

Objective: To analyze perinatal outcomes in twin deliveries considering fetal presentation, delivery mode, and birth order. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of 639 women with twin pregnancies yielding 1278 newborns. The mode of delivery was chosen according to the presentation of the first twin and the mother's medical and obstetric history. Results: The pregnancy was dichorionic-diamniotic in 82.6% of cases, monochorionic-diamniotic in 14.6% of cases, and monochorionic-monoamniotic in 0.6% of cases. The overall rate of cesarean delivery was 20.7%. Of the 1278 newborns, 0.2% were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Presentation at delivery was cephalic in 70.7% of first twins and only 49.9% of second twins. The rate of cesarean delivery was 28.5% for first twins in cephalic presentation and 85.8% for first twins in breech presentation. Analysis of perinatal outcomes for the first and second twins revealed no differences in newborns' weight, 5-minute Apgar score, arterial pH, rate of admission to the NICU, or perinatal mortality. Similarly, no differences were identified in perinatal outcomes according the presentation of both fetuses. Conclusions: There was no evidence of poorer perinatal outcomes related to order of birth, fetal presentation, or mode of delivery. Therefore, attempting vaginal delivery in a twin pregnancy is a reasonable approach

Objetivo: analizar los resultados perinatales en las gestaciones gemelares con respecto a su relación con la presentación y la vía del parto, atendiendo al orden de cada feto. Material y métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se incluyeron 639 mujeres con embarazos gemelares, con un total de 1278 recién nacidos. El tipo de parto se eligió de acuerdo con la presentación del primer gemelo y el historial médico y obstétrico de la madre. Resultados: el 82,6% fueron BC-BA, el 14,6% MC-BA y el 0,6% MC-MA. Hubo una tasa global de cesáreas del 20,7%. De 1278 recién nacidos, el 0,2% fue ingresado en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales. El 70,7% de los primeros gemelos se encontraban en una presentación cefálica, lo que sólo ocurrió en un 49,9% de los segundos gemelos. La tasa de cesárea fue del 28,5% en los primeros gemelos con presentación cefálica y del 85,8% en los primeros gemelos con presentación de nalgas. En el análisis de los resultados perinatales (peso de los recién nacidos, la puntuación de Apgar a los 5 minutos, el pH arterial, la tasa de ingreso a la UCIN o la mortalidad perinatal) del primer o segundo gemelo no se encontraron diferencias así como tampoco las hubo en función de la presentación de ambos fetos. Conclusiones: no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los resultados perinatales atendiendo al orden de cada gemelo, a su presentación y a la vía del parto; por tanto, el intento de parto vaginal en gemelares es una opción razonable

Echographic features and perinatal outcomes in fetuses with congenital absence of ductus venosus.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to describe the echographic features and perinatal outcomes of fetuses with absence of ductus venosus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 10 cases with absence of ductus venosus diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography between January 2014 and February 2016 at a single referral center. Prenatal findings, umbilical shunting type, perinatal outcomes, and autopsy reports were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 11 491 fetuses underwent a first- and second-trimester screening during the study period. Ten cases of absence of ductus venosus were diagnosed. All of the fetuses presented an extrahepatic shunt: three fetuses from the umbilical vein to the right atrium and the seven remaining fetuses from the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava. Major structural defects and fetal effusions were detected in six fetuses. There were two cases of chromosomal abnormalities. Five patients underwent legal termination of pregnancy and five decided to carry to term. In two of these, the absence of ductus venosus anomaly was isolated and had a normal outcome. In the remaining three cases, a follow up of the children showed a variety of adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of ductus venosus is associated with high rates of adverse perinatal outcomes. The prognosis for this group of anomalies depends on the additional findings with targeted ultrasound. This pathology should lead to a detailed anatomical study and affected fetuses should be closely monitored for signs of congestive heart failure.