The effects of intrauterine growth on physical and intellectual development of one-year-old infants: a study on monochorionic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate physical and intellectual development of one-year-old infants of monochorionic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR). A total of 31 pairs of sIUGR twins ageing 1 year old were included in the study. Each pair of sIUGR twins was divided into low birthweight-twin group (L-twin group) and high birthweight-twin group (H-twin group) according to twins’ birthweight. The differences in height, weight, head circumstance and body mass index (BMI) in each stage were statistically significant for all measures from birth until 1 year old (p < .05), and there was a disappointed catch-up growth in lighter twins. Psychomotor development index (PDI) and mental development index (MDI) at 1 year old were significantly different between the two groups (p < .05). Stepwise regression analysis showed that the effects of weight on both PDI and MDI were statistically significant (p < .05). Intrauterine growth inconsistencies in monochorionic twins with sIUGR persist until the first year of life and affect low-birthweight infants’ physical and intellectual development.Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Selective intrauterine growth restriction in monochorionic twins increases the risks of intrauterine foetal demise, preterm birth, caesarean delivery and adverse neonatal outcomes, especially in the smaller foetus. What do the results of this study add? Previous studies have concentrated on the clinical management of sIUGR, while little attention has been paid to the growth and development of twins after birth. Given the adverse neurobiological effects of suboptimal nutrition on the brain development, it is important to determine whether IUGR causes long-term cognitive deficits and physical retardation. The current study has assessed the physical and intellectual development of one-year-old infants of monochorionic twins with sIUGR. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Intrauterine growth inconsistencies in monochorionic twins with sIUGR persist until the first year of life and affect low-birthweight infants’ physical and intellectual development. Further research on the longer-term effects of sIUGR is needed.

Keywords

• monochorionic twins
• selective intrauterine growth restriction
• physical development
• intellectual development