RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
Perinatal outcomes of multiple-gestation pregnancies in Kenya, Zambia, Pakistan, India, Guatemala, and Argentina
A global network study
Marete, I., Tenge, C., Pasha, O., Goudar, S., Chomba, E., Patel, A., Althabe, F., Garces, A., McClure, E., Saleem, S., Esamai, F., Kodkany, B. S., Belizan, J. M., Derman, R. J., Hibberd, P. L., Krebs, N., Buekens, P., Goldenberg, R. L., Carlo, W. A., ... Liechty, E. A. (2014). Perinatal outcomes of multiple-gestation pregnancies in Kenya, Zambia, Pakistan, India, Guatemala, and Argentina: A global network study. American Journal of Perinatology, 31(2), 125-131. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1338173
AimTo determine the rates of multiple gestation, stillbirth, and perinatal and neonatal mortality and to determine health care system characteristics related to perinatal mortality of these pregnancies in low- and middle-income countries. MethodsPregnant women residing within defined geographic boundaries located in six countries were enrolled and followed to 42 days postpartum. ResultsMultiple gestations were 0.9% of births. Multiple gestations were more likely to deliver in a health care facility compared with singletons (70 and 66%, respectively, p<0.001), to be attended by skilled health personnel (71 and 67%, p<0.001), and to be delivered by cesarean (18 versus 9%, p<0.001). Multiple-gestation fetuses had a relative risk (RR) for stillbirth of 2.65 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.06, 3.41) and for perinatal mortality rate (PMR) a RR of 3.98 (95% CI 3.40, 4.65) relative to singletons (both p<0.0001). Neither delivery in a health facility nor the cesarean delivery rate was associated with decreased PMR. Among multiple-gestation deliveries, physician-attended delivery relative to delivery by other health providers was associated with a decreased risk of perinatal mortality. ConclusionsMultiple gestations contribute disproportionately to PMR in low-resource countries. Neither delivery in a health facility nor the cesarean delivery rate is associated with improved PMR
