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Development of very low birthweight twins at 4 years

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 October 2015

J. Anne Dezoete  and
Barton A. MacArthur
J. Anne Dezoete*
Affiliation:
Child Development Unit, National Women’s Hospital, Auckland
Barton A. MacArthur
Affiliation:
Child Development Unit, National Women’s Hospital, Auckland
*
Child Development Unit, National Women’s Hospital, Private Bag 92189, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, Telephone: 649 630-9878, Fax: 649 630-9753, E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Questions about the development of multiple birth infants have accompanied an increase in their rate. Multiple birth has been associated with preterm birth and a higher incidence of disability than for singletons. The possible influence of birth order (first vs. second born), gender, and birthweight were considered at 4 years in 56 twins (28 pairs) who weighed less than 1500 grams at birth. Gender and birth order differences did not produce significont results in the cognitive, language, behaviour, and motor areas assessed. However, some significant findings in these areas were revealed when children < 1000 and ≥ 1000 grams were compared. The lighter weight group performed less well than the heavier group on the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, in Abstract/Visual Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Test Composite. Furthermore, results were significantly lower for Fine Motor and Motor Standard Score (Motor Skills Domain of the Vineland Behavior Scales) and for Quality of Language and Intelligibility of Speech. Twins < 1000 grams birthweight need close educational surveillance prior to school entry.

Keywords

TwinsBirth OrderGenderLow BirthweightCognitive DevelopmentMotor DevelopmentLanguageBehaviour
Type
Research Article
Information
The Educational and Developmental Psychologist , Volume 19 , Issue 1 , 2002 , pp. 59 - 65
Copyright
Copyright © Australian Psychological Society 2002

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