Successful external version of B-twin after the birth of A-twin for vertex--non-vertex twins.

Abstract

To determine the optimal intrapartum management of twins, especially those in vertex--non-vertex presentation. The study population consisted of 408 sets of twins delivered between 1988 and 1992, weighing at birth over 1500 g. According to our protocol, vaginal delivery was attempted in the vertex-vertex presentations. If non-vertex presentation was first, we performed cesarean section. In vertex--non-vertex cases, the first was delivered vaginally and external cephalic version or breech delivery was performed on the second. Apgar scores were compared according to presentation and delivery mode. Vaginal delivery was accomplished in 122 (73%) of 169 vertex--vertex presentations, 96 (68%) of 142 vertex--non-vertex presentations, and 4 (5%) of 99 non-vertex--other presentations. External cephalic version (ECV) of the second twin and subsequent vaginal delivery in vertex--non-vertex was successful in 75% of cases, and internal podalic version and assisted breech delivery were performed in 20 cases, and the remaining two were delivered by cesarean section. Apgar scores were not significantly different among the various groups, and no complications arose from external cephalic version performed on second non-vertex twins. External cephalic version was found safe for delivering second non-vertex twins in cases where the first twin is in vertex presentation. In our opinion routine cesarean section is thus no longer justified in such cases.