Journal article

Publication year: 2009

Pages: 255-259

Journal: Neuropediatrics

Volume number: 40

Issue number: 6

ISSN: 0174-304X

eISSN: 1439-1899

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1249070

Publisher: Thieme Publishing / Georg Thieme Verlag

Abstract: 
The purpose of this study was to assess the neurodevelopmental outcome in a larger cohort of higher order multiple births (HOM). To accomplish this, we analysed the perinatal records of 90 HOM from 28 pregnancies (69 triplets, 16 quadruplets and 5 quintuplets) born at the University Hospital Kiel during the period from 1980 to 1994. Sixty-eight out of 79 surviving children (87.2 %) were re-examined at a median age of 7.8years (range: 3 to 14.5 years). Re-examination included assessment of the neurological, psychomotor (Denver developmental scale, Columbia mental maturity scale), and behavioural (childhood behaviour checklist) status. Perinatal mortality was 12 %. In 62 % of subjects, neurological 112 and cognitive status at follow-up were completely normal; 32% revealed minor and 6% major neurodevelopmental deficits. Comparison between VLBW and LBW HOM disclosed significantly more neurological deficits, lower IQs and more behaviour problems in children with VLBW. Especially social problems, attention deficit, anxiety and depression symptoms were more frequent in the VLBW HOM than in the LBW HOM group. VLBW HOM parents felt significantly more stressed and VLBW HOM mothers reported reduced coping skills. These findings suggest that the overall cognitive and neurological outcome of HOM surviving the neonatal period is good, but that minor neurocognitive deficits are frequent. LBW HOM have less neurological and behaviour problems than VLBW HOM.

Harvard Citation style: Hahn, A., Neubauer, B., Schroeder, H. and Gosch, A. (2009) Neurological, Cognitive, and Behavioural Outcome of Higher Order Multiple Births, Neuropediatrics, 40(6), pp. 255-259. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1249070

APA Citation style: Hahn, A., Neubauer, B., Schroeder, H., & Gosch, A. (2009). Neurological, Cognitive, and Behavioural Outcome of Higher Order Multiple Births. Neuropediatrics. 40(6), 255-259. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1249070