Caesarean delivery for the second twin (Cochrane Review)

A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 16 July 1995. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary.

Background: The optimal mode of birth for a second twin in breech position is controversial, with support for both caesarean and vaginal birth.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of caesarean birth compared with vaginal birth of a second twin not presenting cephalically.

Search strategy: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and bibliographies up to August 2000.

Selection criteria: Randomised trials of caesarean birth compared with vaginal birth in women with a twin pregnancy where the second twin is not presenting cephalically.

Data collection and analysis: All assessments of trial eligibility, quality and data extractions were done by the author without blinding.

Main results: One trial involving 60 pairs of twins was included. Maternal febrile morbidity were increased in women allocated to the caesarean group (relative risk (RR) 3.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-11.69), and there was a trend to an increased need for use of general anaesthesia (RR 2.40, 95% CI 0.98-5.88). No differences were detected in neonatal outcome.

Reviewers' conclusions: Caesarean section for the birth of a second twin not presenting cephalically is associated with increased maternal febrile morbidity with, as yet, no identified improvement in neonatal outcome. This policy should not be adopted except within the context of further controlled trials.

Citation: Crowther CA. Caesarean delivery for the second twin (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2003. Oxford: Update Software.

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This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X).

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