[First breech twin pregnancy: Can we still accept a vaginal delivery? Comparative study of perinatal outcome with attempt of vaginal delivery versus planned cesarean: 166 cases].

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate practices and perinatal outcome in planned routes of delivery for first breech twins.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A retrospective study in first breech twin pregnancies with a gestational age of at least 35 weeks at onset of labor. Maternofetal pathologies known to be associated with a poor neonatal outcome were excluded. A low neonatal outcome was defined by at least one of the following criteria: neonatal death, 5-minute Agar Score < 7, cord blood pH < 7.10, traumatic neurological injuries, admission in neonatal intensive unit care. Neonatal and maternal outcomes were compared between attempt of vaginal delivery (AVD) and planned cesarean section (PCS).

RESULTS

Among 166 included patients, an AVD has been performed in 105 cases (63.3%) and a PCS in 61 (36.8%). In AVD group, 46 women (43.8%) delivered vaginally. Low neonatal outcome was not significantly different in AVD group compared with PCS group (9 (8.6%) versus 6 (9.8%); p = 0.78 for the first twin and 7 (6.7%) versus 2 (3.3%); p = 0.49 for the second twin). There was no significant difference in maternal morbidity between the two groups. As a general rule, established practices for deciding route of delivery and labor have been applied in our department.

CONCLUSION

No excess of neonatal risk in AVD group compared with PCS was observed. These results could be extrapolated to centers applying a careful protocol to decide the route of delivery and labor practices.