Analysis of the application of a deterministic routine for identifying multiple pregnancies on SINASC, Brazil.

Abstract

to evaluate the application of a deterministic routine for identifying multiple pregnancies on the Brazilian Live Birth Information System (SINASC). SINASC data deduplication and linkage with the mortality database (fetal deaths) for Rio de Janeiro state for the period 2007-2008; we used a deterministic routine, using a key based on SINASC maternal and birth information, complemented by manual review. of the 433,874 SINASC records, 9,036 (2.1%) were classified as multiple pregnancy newborns; after implementing the routine, we reclassified 385 records as twins, and 286 as singletons; accuracy of multiple pregnancy information on the SINASC database was high (sensitivity=95.8%; specificity=99.9%); applying the routine without the manual review process increased sensitivity by 4.2%, with no significant change of specificity. despite the accuracy of information regarding multiple pregnancy held on SINASC, we suggest the use of this routine as an option for improving classification of twins.