Short-term outcome in preterm infants depending on whether they were born from singleton, twin or triplet pregnancy: Data from a tertiary care hospital in Serbia

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. After the introduction of the national program of fertility treatment, increased frequency of multiple pregnancies was noted. The literature has shown controversies regarding the higher risk of morbidity and mortality of the preterm newborns from multiple pregnancies. Methods. Preterm singletons, twins and triplets born within a two-year study period were included in the analysis. Data about preterm twins were extracted first. For each pair of twins, two singletons of the same gestation age were chosen. The set of the examinees was completed by including the triplets born during the same period. The short-term outcomes were compared between these three groups. Results. A total of 210 preterm infants were included in the study, out of which 84 singletons, 84 twins and 42 triplets. Statistical analysis showed significant difference between the three groups regarding type of conception (p < 0.0001), mode of delivery (p < 0.001) and birth weight (p = 0.005). Short-term mortality and morbidity (neonatal death, the need for intubation at birth, respiratory support, surfactant therapy, and intracranial hemorrhage) were significantly increased in triplets comparing to singletons and twins. Conclusion. Preterm triplets have an increased risk for adverse short-term outcomes comparing to singletons and twins of the similar gestation age in our study sample.