Eclampsia in twin pregnancy.

A clinical analysis of 37 cases of twin pregnancy complicated by eclampsia showed that: (1) the incidence of twins in the total 1,030 cases of eclampsia was three times the figure in the general population, (2) the maternal mortality was slightly higher and perinatal mortality slightly lower than in unselected eclamptic patients, (3) patients with postpartum eclampsia showed significant differences in comparison with antepartum and intrapartum cases, (4) perinatal and maternal mortality were lower in cases delivered by cesarean section, (5) perinatal mortality was significantly higher in male fetuses, and (6) five of the six maternal deaths occurred in cases of male twins. In addition, the data suggest the presence of a reciprocal negative influence between maternal eclampsia and male twins and that this type of eclampsia may be the best example of essential preeclampsia.