A LACK OF ADVERSE EFFECT OF PROLONGED DELIVERY INTERVAL BETWEEN TWINS

Objective: It has been recommended that the interval between delivery of twins preferably should be within 15 min and not more than 30 min. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of delivery inter val on the outcome of the second twin. Methods: All twin deliveries fr om 1981 to 1987 meeting the following criteria were reviewed:(1) both infants weighed >1,500 g or were greater than or equal to 34 weeks by Dubowitz score; (2) the first twin was delivered vaginally; and (3) th e medical record was available for review. Obstetric data obtained by record review included mode of delivery, indication for cesarean secti on, presentation of second twin, and interval between deliveries. Neon atal data evaluated included 5-min Apgar score and evidence of birth t rauma. Time intervals were divided into four categories: less than or equal to 15, 16-30, 31-50, and >60 min, The results were analyzed by t he use of Fisher's exact test to compare groups, and a P value <0.05 w as considered significant. Results: One hundred nineteen twin deliveri es met the criteria to be included. The range of delivery interval was 2 min to 866 min (14 h, 26 min). An interval of even >60 min between twin deliveries did not have an adverse effect on outcome, as judged b y Apgar score, length of stay, or birth trauma. The largest incidence of cesarean section (50%) occurred in the 31- to 60-min time interval. Conclusion: A prolonged delivery interval between twins did not have an adverse effect on the outcome of the second twin,