Factors related to an improved outcome for twins.

We observed that perinatal mortality among the 220 twins born at our hospital in 1977-78 (3.6%) was significantly lower than for the 210 twins born in 1975-76 (11.0%). At the same time the frequency of postpartum asphyxia had decreased significantly. An analysis of factors related to the diagnosis and therapy revealed that during the later period both the diagnosis of twins and bed rest in hospital had been initiated significantly earlier than during the former period. The duration of pregnancy, length of stay in hospital, use of beta-adrenergic drugs or glucocorticoids, duration and type of delivery and birthweight of the infants were similar in both groups. Early diagnosis permits the greatest degree of readiness for both the mothers and the obstetrical and pediatric personnel in order to meet the possible complications commonly associated with a twin pregnancy and birth.