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[Handicaps in twins and triplets]
Y Yokoyama1, T Shimizu, K Hayakawa
1Department of Public Health, Kinki University, School of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan.
Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. Japanese Journal of Hygiene
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Triplet and twin pregnancies have higher rates of handicaps, with cerebral palsy and congenital anomalies being most common. Risk increases with shorter gestation periods, but is not linked to maternal age.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Context:
- Multiple births, including twins and triplets, present unique obstetric and neonatal challenges.
- Understanding handicap prevalence in multiple gestations is crucial for risk assessment and intervention.
- Previous research has indicated varying risks for adverse outcomes in twins and triplets.
Purpose:
- To investigate and quantify the prevalence rates of handicaps in twin and triplet populations.
- To identify the types of handicaps most frequently observed in multiple births.
- To explore associations between handicap prevalence and factors such as maternal age, delivery year, and gestation period.
Summary:
- This study analyzed 252 twins and 287 triplets, finding handicap prevalence rates of 4.4% in twins and 8.7% in triplets.
- Cerebral palsy was the most frequent handicap, with risks of 2.0% in twins and 3.1% in triplets.
- Congenital anomalies accounted for approximately 45% of handicaps, with higher rates in triplets (4.5%) than twins (2.4%).
- Handicap risk was not associated with maternal age but increased with shorter gestation periods and, for triplets, with delivery year.
Impact:
- Provides essential epidemiological data on handicap prevalence in multiple births.
- Informs clinical practice regarding risk stratification and prenatal counseling for twin and triplet pregnancies.
- Highlights the importance of considering gestational age in assessing outcomes for twins and triplets.