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Weight growth charts from birth to 6 years of age in Japanese triplets

Yoshie Yokoyama1, Masako Sugimoto, Karri Silventoinen

  • 1Department of Community Health Nursing, Osaka City University, Japan. yyokoyama@nurs.osaka-cu.ac.jp

Twin Research and Human Genetics : the Official Journal of the International Society for Twin Studies
|November 20, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Japanese triplets show significantly lower birth weights than singletons. Despite rapid early growth, they remain underweight through mid-childhood, highlighting the need for specialized growth charts.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Reproductive Medicine

Background:

  • Triplet births present unique challenges in infant growth and development.
  • Established growth standards for singletons may not accurately reflect triplet growth trajectories.
  • Understanding long-term weight characteristics in triplets is crucial for clinical monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze weight growth patterns in Japanese triplets from birth to six years of age.
  • To develop and present weight growth charts specifically for triplet populations.
  • To identify factors influencing weight gain in triplets.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of data from 1098 Japanese triplets (born 1978-2006) and 366 mothers.
  • Data collection via mailed questionnaires referencing Maternal and Child Health Handbooks.
  • Statistical analysis to determine factors influencing weight growth, including birthweight and gestational age.

Main Results:

  • Birthweight was the primary determinant of weight from 1 to 6 years in triplets.
  • Gestational age and male sex were also significant factors in triplet weight gain.
  • Triplets exhibited a significant weight deficit at birth (over 40%) compared to singletons, which reduced but persisted until age six.

Conclusions:

  • Triplets are born with lower birthweights and experience a persistent weight deficit compared to singletons, even after initial catch-up growth.
  • The study provides essential growth curves for monitoring triplet development.
  • These findings underscore the importance of tailored growth monitoring for multiple births.

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