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Physical and mental development in 4-6-year-old triplets
B Alin Akerman1, M Hovmöller, A Rådestad
1Department of Special Education, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Insights
This study assessed triplet development, finding no significant differences in physical or mental development compared to twins and singletons. However, triplets born small for dates showed lower developmental scores.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Genetics
Background:
- Triplets represent a unique demographic for studying developmental outcomes.
- Previous research on multiple births has yielded varied results regarding developmental trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the physical and mental development of triplets aged 4-6 years.
- To compare developmental outcomes in triplets with those of singletons and twins.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 17 sets of triplets (born 1986-1989, gestational weeks 33-36) underwent assessment.
- Neurological examinations and Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS) were administered.
- Developmental outcomes were compared based on birth weight and sex.
Main Results:
- No major physical disabilities were identified in the studied triplets.
- Triplets born small for dates exhibited significantly lower GMDS scores.
- No significant sex differences in mental development were observed among triplets.
Conclusions:
- Overall physical and mental development in triplets is comparable to singletons and twins of similar birth weight.
- Being born small for dates is a significant factor impacting triplet development.
- Further research is warranted to understand long-term developmental trajectories in triplet populations.
Abstract:
A total of 21 families with complete sets of triplets, born within 200 km of Stockholm, were invited to participate in a follow-up study with the aim of assessing the physical and mental development of their triplets at 4-6 years of age. Four families declined to participate in the study and thus the study group consisted of 17 sets of triplets who were born at 33-36 gestational weeks from 1986 to 1989. Mean birth weight was 2104 g (range 1310-2670 g) for the boys and 1882 g (range 1290-2590 g) for the girls. At birth, none of the 51 triplets showed any malformations. No asphyxia or other major complications were noted to have occurred at delivery. The children were examined in their homes with a neurological examination and the Griffiths mental development scales (GMDS). No major physical disabilities were found. In a group of triplets born small for dates, the total GMDS score and most of the subscale scores were significantly lower than for their siblings. In contrast to what has been found in singletons and twins, the differences in mental development between triplet boys and girls were not significant. On the whole, physical and mental development did not differ from what has been found in twins and singletons of the same age and with the same birth weight.