Influence of Socioeconomic Levels on Birthweight of Twins and Singletons

Colletto, G M D D; Segre, Conceição Aparecida de Mattos; Rielli, Silvia T. R. C.

doi:10.1375/136905204323016104

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…This may be attributed to better nutrition in mothers from a higher social class, although it is generally accepted that a genetic role is operative in twin pregnancies, as evident from the familial tendency to give birth to twins. Mothers of twins in our study did not receive assisted reproductive technology, which is reported to account for the disproportionate number of low birthweights and/or premature infants in primigravidae at a higher socio-economic level (Colletto et al, 2004) . While intrauterine growth of twins is generally slower than that of singletons (Liu & Blair, 2002), Min and colleagues (Min et al, 2000a) suggest that from 30 weeks of gestation onwards, the growth patterns of well grown twins and singletons may not be significantly different.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Differences in Anthropometric Measurements between Sudanese Newborn Twins and Singletons

Elshibly

Schmalisch²

2010

Twin Res Hum Genet

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Twin pregnancies are associated with disturbed fetal growth and a higher risk of low birthweight (LBW), which is one of the most important determinants of perinatal morbidity and mortality in Africa. In this study, we compare anthropometric measurements in Sudanese twins and their mothers with singletons. Methods: In 1000 Sudanese mothers with singleton births and 30 mothers with twins, maternal (weight, height, mid-arm circumference) and 11 newborn anthropometric measurements were taken within 24 hours of delivery. Maternal education and socio-economic status were additionally recorded. Results: Mothers of twins had a significantly higher body weight (p = .045) and lean body mass (p = .02) after delivery, and were from higher social classes in general (p = .014). In addition to gestational age, twins displayed a statistically significant reduction in all anthropometric data, compared to singletons, mainly in terms of birth-weight, chest and head circumference, whereas differences in triceps and subscapular skin fold thickness and ponderal index were distinctly lower. The LBW rate in twins was markedly higher than that in singletons (43.3% vs. 8.3%, p < .001). In 20 out of 30 twins (66.7%), Twin A weighed more than Twin B (difference (SD) of 443 (335) g), and in the remaining 10 cases (33.7%), the weight of Twin B was equal to or more than that of twin A (difference (SD) of 211 (240) g, p = .039). In unlike-sex pairs, the mean (SD) difference between Twins A and B in birthweight was 459 (481) g, which was distinctly higher, compared to same-sex pairs (boys, 180 (325) g and girls, 36 (413) g). Conclusions: Sudanese twins displayed significantly reduced anthropometric measurements compared to singletons, but to different degrees. Gender had a higher impact on birthweight in twins than in singletons.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%