Publications
Mortality and morbidity in very low birth weight infants from twin pregnancies in ireland: a national cohort analysis
VLBW twins in Ireland survived at similar rates to singletons, but remained a high-risk group. This study highlights the need for consistent, specialist, guideline-based care grounded in evidence and best practice, and for these needs to be reflected in updated national guidance.
- Authors
Caroline O'Connor, Keelin O'Donoghue, Sara Leitao
- Year
- 2025
- Journal Name
- Irish Journal of Medical Science
- Category
- Journal Article
- Keywords
- Multiple pregnancy, Perinatal mortality
- Project
- Full Citation
O'Connor C, Corcoran P, Twomey A, O'Donoghue K, Leitao S. Mortality and morbidity in very low birth weight infants from twin pregnancies in ireland: a national cohort analysis. Irish Journal of Medical Science. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-025-04168-z.
- Link to Publication
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-025-04168-z
Abstract
Twin pregnancies carry extra risks, especially because twins are more likely to be born too early or with a low birth weight. Babies born this small often need specialised care. This study looked at very low birth weight babies born alive in Ireland between 2014 and 2022 to see whether outcomes differed between twins and singletons. We analysed national data from 4,766 very low birth weight babies. 29% of these babies were twins. Twins in this group were born slightly later in pregnancy and weighed a little more than singletons. At first, it looked as though twins had lower death rates. However, when we examined the information more closely, the overall survival of twins and singletons was very similar. Even with similar survival, twins still had some additional risks. They were more likely to die in the delivery room, and they had a higher chance of developing severe retinopathy of prematurity, a serious eye condition linked to extreme prematurity. Overall, the study shows that very low birth weight twins are still a vulnerable group. These findings highlight the need for consistent, specialist care and updated national guidelines to ensure that twin babies receive the safest and best possible care.