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Cognitive development and behaviour in very low birthweight twins at four years

J A Dezoete1, B A MacArthur

  • 1Child Development Unit, National Women's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.

Acta Geneticae Medicae Et Gemellologiae
|January 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

This study found no significant cognitive or behavioral differences between 4-year-old twins and singletons born with low birthweights. However, singletons in higher socioeconomic status families showed better quantitative reasoning than twins in similar circumstances.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics
  • Human Genetics

Background:

  • Low birthweight (<1500 grams) is a risk factor for developmental disparities.
  • Understanding potential differences between twins and singletons with similar birth characteristics is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare cognitive abilities, language, behavior, and health outcomes in matched twins and singletons at 4 years of age.
  • To investigate the influence of socioeconomic status on these comparisons.

Main Methods:

  • Matched cohort study of 74 children (37 twin pairs, 37 singletons) aged 4 years.
  • All participants had birthweights under 1500 grams and were matched for birth date, gender, and birthweight.
  • Cognitive assessment using The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, clinical assessments of speech, language, and behavior.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were found between twins and singletons overall, or when stratified by birthweight (<1000g vs. 1000-1499g).
  • Higher socioeconomic status was associated with higher cognitive scores in the general population.
  • In higher socioeconomic status families, singletons outperformed twins in Quantitative Reasoning and Composite Scores; no differences were observed in lower socioeconomic status families.
  • No significant differences in speech, language, or behavior were noted.

Conclusions:

  • The study does not support a significant general difference between twins and singletons in cognitive, linguistic, or behavioral development at age 4, particularly among those with low birthweight.
  • Socioeconomic status plays a significant role, with singletons in higher SES groups showing an advantage over twins in specific cognitive areas.
  • Further research into the nuanced effects of family structure and socioeconomic factors on child development is warranted.

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