The maternal and perinatal implications of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in a multiple pregnancy cohort

Introduction Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are common and may result in increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Multiple pregnancies confer an increased risk of development of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to examine a large cohort of women delivering a multiple pregnancy in a single large tertiary unit, and to evaluate the implications of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy on both maternal and perinatal outcomes. Material and methods Retrospective study of all twin pregnancies delivered at Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland over a 9-year period (2009-2017). The twin pregnancies were divided according to the presence or absence of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and the two groups were compared. Results Maternal age >40 years, nulliparity, conception through use of a donor oocyte, and presence of obstetric cholestasis are all risk factors for the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in women with a multiple pregnancy. When a hypertensive disorder complicates a twin pregnancy, it increases the incidence of iatrogenic late prematurity and neonatal hypoglycemia. Conclusions This study is informative for clinicians caring for women with a multiple pregnancy with its relevant data on perinatal outcomes following a diagnosis of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy.