Authors : S. Isiaka-lawal, K.T. Adesina, R. Saidu, M.A. Ijaiya, A.A.G. Jimoh and S.A. Aderibigbe
Abstract: To determine the prevalence, mode of delivery and complications of twin pregnancy in Ilorin. This is a retrospective study of 291 cases of twin gestations managed at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin over a 5 years period. During this period, there were 15,005 deliveries and 488 cases of twin gestation, giving an incidence of 1 in 30 deliveries (3.3%). Twin pregnancies were commoner in older and multiparous women. Majority of the twins were delivered at term (65.8%) with an overall average birth weight of 2.5±0.5 kg, with the second twin having a higher birth weight than the first. Cephalic presentation in the first twin was observed in 59.5% of cases. Mode of delivery was vaginal in 64.3%, while 32.6% delivered by caesarean section. The most common indication for caesarean section was breech presentation in the first twin. Preterm labour was the commonest maternal complication, while prematurity was leading cause of perinatal mortality. The prevalence of twin pregnancy in Ilorin is lower than that reported among Yoruba people of Southwest Nigeria, but still higher than that reported from the Northern part of Nigeria. Prevention of preterm labour will improve perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies.
S. Isiaka-lawal, K.T. Adesina, R. Saidu, M.A. Ijaiya, A.A.G. Jimoh and S.A. Aderibigbe, 2009. A Review of Twin Gestation in a Tertiary Health Institution in North Central Nigeria. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 3: 198-201.