Neonatal respiratory morbidity in twins versus singletons after elective prelabor caesarean section

Objective

To compare the rate of neonatal respiratory morbidity in singletons versus twins delivered by pre-labour caesarean section.

Study design

Uncomplicated pregnancies delivered by prelabor caesarean section at 34 + 0 to 37 + 6 weeks’ gestation were retrospectively selected. For both singletons and twins caesarean delivery was undertaken electively only after amniocentesis and if the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio was ≥2. Neonatal respiratory morbidity was compared in twins versus singletons.

Results

241 singletons and 100 twin neonates were included. Overall neonatal respiratory morbidity was comparable between the two groups (25/241 (11.7%) versus 7/100 (7%), p = .331). Between 34 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks, however, the risk was higher among singleton than twins (15/46 (32.6%) versus 6/72 (8.3%), p < .001). At multiple regression, dichorionicity, gestational age at delivery ≥37 weeks and female sex independently decreased the risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity.

Conclusion

The risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity after elective caesarean section seems lower among twins, especially prior to 37 + 0 weeks.