Perinatal profile of twin pregnancies: a retrospective review of 11 years (1969-1979) at Hôpital Notre-Dame, Montréal, Canada.

Four hundred and thirty four twins occurring in 220 women were studied during a period of 11 years (1969-1979) at Notre-Dame Hospital. Perinatal mortality (less than 28 days) was compared before and after 1974, and the impact of ultrasound technique upon perinatal outcome was assessed during the second period (1974-1979). The main factor associated with perinatal mortality was low birth weight caused by either prematurity or intrauterine growth retardation.

Obstetrical profile of twin pregnancies: a retrospective review of 11 years (1969-1979) at Hôpital Notre-Dame, Montréal, Canada.

Four hundred and thirty-four twins delivered from 220 women at Notre-Dame Hospital were studied during a period of 11 years (1969-1979). The maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcome was compared before and after 1974, the year ultrasonography and other changes in perinatal care were introduced in our institution. Early diagnosis occurred more frequently after 1974, together with increased antenatal hospitalization.

Antenatal betamethasone and renal ammoniagenesis in the newborn.

As part of a double-blind clinical trial of antenatal betamethasone, we studied the effects of this drug on urinary ammonia excretion in 28 premature infants. Betamethasone was administered before 34 weeks of gestation according to dosage schedules which have been shown to alter the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome. Although glucocorticoids affect renal ammoniagenesis in adults, the antenatal betamethasone trial did not augment ammonia excretion measured during the first day of postnatal life.