Long-term neurodevelopmental outcome of triplets
Snjezana Skrablin1, Ivan Kuvacić, Velimir Simunić
1Department of Perinatal Medicine, School of Medicine, Petrova 13, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
|January 16, 2007
Summary
Triplets face high risks of neurodevelopmental disabilities, with outcomes linked to prematurity and birth weight. Improved perinatal care, especially after 1996, significantly enhances healthy development in triplets.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Triplets are at increased risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes compared to singletons.
- Understanding the factors influencing these outcomes is crucial for improving infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence of neurodevelopmental disabilities in triplets.
- To identify correlations between triplet outcomes and perinatal events.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 94 triplets.
- Outcomes assessed at 24-144 months.
- Correlated outcomes with gestational age, birth weight, pregnancy complications, neonatal care, and antenatal care type.
Main Results:
- 15 triplets had cerebral palsy (CP) and 17 had minimal cerebral dysfunction (MCD).
- Adverse outcomes correlated with prematurity, low birth weight, and maternal age.
- Improved outcomes observed with later birth periods (1996-2000) and enhanced antenatal care.
Conclusions:
- Triplets remain at high risk for long-term neurodevelopmental complications.
- Stringent perinatal care is a critical determinant of improved long-term outcomes for triplets.
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