The maternal and neonatal outcome of high order gestation at King Abdulaziz University Hospital

Abstract

To review the outcome of high-order gestations at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH). A retrospective chart review of all high order multiple pregnancy delivered at KAUH. The ante partum and postpartum complications and the neonatal outcome had been studied. Thirty-six triplets, five quadruplets, and one set of quintuplets delivered during the period (1985-2005). The mean maternal age was 28.5 +/- 5 years. The mean gestational age at delivery was 33.9 +/- 2.5 weeks. The maternal complications included: first trimester bleeding 7 (15.4%), pre-eclampsia 5(19.2%), gestational diabetes 2 (3.8%), anemia 12 (23.1%), and preterm labor 29 (65.4%). Of 133 fetuses there were three stillbirths, seven neonatal deaths, six early neonatal deaths, and one late neonatal death, and all died because of extreme low birth weight. Fifteen babies had low APGAR score of < 7 at 5 min. Three babies had congenital anomalies. The outcome of high order gestations at our center is comparable to others, prematurity and extreme low birth weight being major determinants.