Neonatal complications and neurophysiological development in twins - a long-term follow-up study

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Twin Studies

Background:

• Neonatal complications can impact long-term child development.
• Understanding these impacts is crucial for early intervention strategies in twins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between neonatal complications and neurophysiological development in twins.
• To assess neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 and 48-60 months of age.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of 841 Danish twins from the PREDICT study.
• Neurophysiological development assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) at 18 and 48-60 months.
• Generalized estimating equation models adjusted for maternal education and gestational age.

Main Results:

• Neonatal sepsis and IVH/ROP/NEC were associated with lower ASQ scores at 18 months.
• IVH/ROP/NEC and low maternal education/preterm delivery (<34 weeks) were linked to poorer neurodevelopment at 48-60 months.
• Associations were not confined to specific ASQ domains.

Conclusions:

• Several neonatal complications are associated with poorer neurophysiological development in twins.
• These associations persist into childhood, even after adjusting for gestational age.