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Five year outcome of preterm sextuplets related to size at birth
N Marlow1, A M Ellis, B L Roberts
1Department of Child Health, Liverpool Maternity Hospital.
Insights
This study followed preterm sextuplets, finding normal growth and development at five years. No long-term effects of early growth issues were observed in these multiple births.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Investigating long-term outcomes in preterm multiple births is crucial for understanding developmental trajectories.
- Growth patterns in early life can impact later neurological and cognitive development.
Observation:
- A cohort of preterm sextuplets was monitored to assess the effects of potential growth retardation.
- Developmental assessments were conducted at five years of age.
Findings:
- All sextuplets exhibited normal growth by age five.
- Intelligence quotients (IQ) ranged from 105-116, with motor impairment scores between 1.0-7.0.
- No significant neurological or behavioral abnormalities were detected in any of the siblings.
Implications:
- Preterm birth and associated growth variations may not invariably lead to adverse long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in sextuplets.
- Individualized monitoring and support are essential for high-order multiples.
- Further research could explore genetic and environmental factors influencing developmental resilience in these unique populations.
Abstract:
Preterm sextuplets were studied to examine whether growth retardation affects long term outcome. All were growing normally at 5 years. Intelligence quotients (IQ) ranged from 105-116 and motor impairment scores from 1.0-7.0. No neurological or behavioural abnormalities were found. The largest sextuplet has maintained her position for growth and IQ. No relation between test scores and birth weight or perinatal variables was found in the remaining siblings.