Comparison of 24 months neurodevelopmental outcome in twins and singletons ≤ 34 weeks gestation at birth

Abstract

The aim of this study was to screen neurodevelopmental impairment of preterm twins born at less than 34 weeks of gestation, compare them with the outcome of preterm singletons, and to determine potential neonatal factors adversely related to motor and cognitive outcome. Twins of 25-34 weeks gestation were included in the study. In total, 46 twins were matched with 46 singletons and were followed prospectively to 24 months corrected age. Obstetrical and neonatal data were recorded. All infants were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III For all morbidities, a significant difference could not be demonstrated. At 24 month follow up there was no significant difference in the cognitive outcome for the twins compared to singletons [98.6 (± 10.4) vs 97.8 (± 9.7), respectively]. There was also no significant difference in the motor outcome for the twins compared to singletons [94.8 (± 12.4) vs 98.1 (± 9.6.), respectively]. For the twins, we found a link between pre-eclampsia and abnormal cognitive (p = 0.012) and motor (p = 0.030) results. With the number of twins steadily increasing, close developmental monitoring and probably early intervention services are needed to determine future directions for research.

Keywords

• infant
• preterm
• twins
• singleton
• neurodevelopmental outcome
• bayley iii.