Very-low-birthweight neonates: do outcomes differ in multiple compared with singleton gestations?

The purpose of this study is to determine if outcomes for very-low-birthweight (VLBW) neonates differ in multiple versus singleton gestations. This is a retrospective cohort study of neonates weighing less than 1500 g admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit from 1993 to 2004. Outcome variables were necrotizing enterocolitis, death, and/or severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate analysis. During the study period, 1769 VLBW infants including 465 multiples and 1304 singletons were identified. Gestational age and birthweight were similar; conversely white race (68% multiples versus 43% singletons), maternal age (28.7 +/- 5.7 versus 26.1 +/- 6.5 years), born at facility (95% versus 86%), antenatal steroids (74% versus 58%), preeclampsia (14% versus 24%), and preterm labor (74% versus 62%) were significantly different. Correcting for these, VLBW multiples had a higher odds ratio (OR) of death and/or severe IVH, OR 1.4 (1.03-1.95). In our population, VLBW multiple gestations were at elevated odds for death and/or severe IVH compared with VLBW singletons.