The outcome of abdominally delivered triplets and twins: a matched case-control study.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcome of matched triplets and twins delivered by cesarean section by order of delivery.

STUDY

DESIGN

39 sets of triplets delivered abdominally were matched to 39 sets of twins also delivered by cesarean section in the same gestational age. The newborns outcome according to their birth order was analyzed.

RESULTS

The mortality rate of triplets was twice than that of matched twins. While first born triplets had mortality rates similar to the first and second twins, there was a threefold increase in mortality rates of the second and third triplets as compared to the first triplet or twin.

CONCLUSIONS

Triplets have a poorer outcome than twins even when they are delivered abdominally at the same gestational age. These differences are particularly noted in the second and third newborns.