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Weight growth of triplet infants from birth to twelve years of age

Yoshie Yokoyama1, Janne Pitkäniemi, Jaakko Kaprio

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

Twin Research and Human Genetics : the Official Journal of the International Society for Twin Studies
|August 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Japanese triplets experienced a persistent weight deficit compared to the general population until age 12. Very low birth weight was key until age 8, followed by maternal body mass index.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Reproductive Health

Background:

  • Triplet births present unique growth challenges.
  • Understanding long-term weight trajectories in triplets is crucial for health monitoring.
  • Previous research has not extensively detailed Japanese triplet growth patterns from birth to adolescence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze weight growth characteristics in Japanese triplets from birth to 12 years.
  • To identify factors influencing triplet weight gain over time.
  • To compare triplet weight to the general Japanese population.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal analysis of 1,128 Japanese triplets (born 1978-2006) and 376 mothers.
  • Data collected via mailed questionnaires referencing medical records (Maternal and Child Health Handbooks, school health check-ups).
  • Variables included: weight growth, gestational age, sex, parity, maternal age, height, and body mass index (BMI).

Main Results:

  • Triplets maintained a 10-17% weight deficit compared to the general population up to age 12.
  • At 12 years, weight differences were approximately -4.75 kg for boys and -6.00 kg for girls.
  • Very low birth weight significantly impacted weight until age 8; maternal BMI became significant thereafter.

Conclusions:

  • Japanese triplets exhibit a consistent, significant weight deficit throughout childhood.
  • Birth weight and maternal BMI are critical determinants of triplet weight status during development.
  • Further research into nutritional and environmental factors may elucidate persistent growth disparities.

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