Delayed Interval Delivery of the Second Twin: Obstetric Management, Neonatal Outcomes, and 2-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

To evaluate the obstetric management and neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with delayed delivery of the second twin, including follow-up. This study is a review of four cases of delayed delivery of the second twin in our hospital from 2009 to 2012. The obstetric management of the cases from the expulsion of the first twin to the delivery of the second twin is analyzed. The neonatal outcomes including follow-up for 2 years were reviewed. The first twins were delivered between 15 and 25 weeks (average 21 weeks) and the second twins were delivered between 25 and 31 weeks (average 27 weeks). One first twin (25 %) survived, while three (75 %) second twins survived. Two out of the three second twins delivered after 28 weeks were in satisfactory condition. The delayed delivery of the second twins which occurred in the third trimester is associated with favorable outcome, however, the risks should not be ignored.