IVF versus spontaneous twin pregnancies - which are at higher risk of complications?

Objective: To analyze the course of twin pregnancies, deliveries and neonatal outcome after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and compare them with spontaneous twins (ST). Methods: The studied material consisted of 131 women in twin pregnancies: 43 patients with IVF and 83 with ST, who delivered at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw in years 2005-2009. Results: Complications of pregnancy, especially imminent abortion and imminent preterm delivery, were significantly more often diagnosed in IVF versus ST. The rate of preterm delivery was similar in both groups. The vast majority of all analyzed twin pregnancies were delivered by cesarean section. The dominant indication was other than cephalic presentation of either one of the twins. Regardless of the group, all cases of neonatal mortality were a result of sepsis and extreme prematurity. The length of hospitalization and treatment period depended mostly on prematurity. It was also dependent on the method of conception - IVF was in favor of shorter treatment time. Conclusions: The method of conception seems not to have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy, risk of preterm delivery and obstetric outcome. Neonatal complications of IVF and spontaneous twins are mostly a result of prematurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]