Neurodevelopmental Dysfunction and Specific Learning Disabilities in School-Aged Twins

Garanty-Bogacka, Barbara; Wieczorek, Wojciech; Syrenicz, Małgorzata

doi:10.1017/s000156600000012x

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…The case histories of Haverkamp et al showed an incidence of language disturbance in 13% of 94 twins [18], while our data, on a smaller sample, showed an incidence of 8.7%. An important phenomenon that could influence the language difficulties is the use of a secret language in the twin couple, already described [3]. The presence of secret language seems to be a developmental phenomenon occurring in the second year of life, with the emergence of immature speech.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…According to Pharoah[2], the incidence of cerebral palsy in term twins is 5-10 times higher than in singletons of the same gestational age whereas, for low gestational ages, there is the same incidence in the two groups of babies. In a prospective study from 1998 [3] regarding learning disorders in 28 school-aged twin pairs, it was shown that the commonest disturbances were writing and reading difficulties. In fact, 12.5% of twins had dyslexia and 10.7% dysgraphia, while about 20% had poor visual-motor coordination.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Long-Term Neuropsychological Outcome in Preterm Twins

Iannone

Clelia

Chindemi

et al. 2006

The Scientific World JOURNAL

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Few long-term studies have yet described neuropsychological outcome in preterm twins. Our aim was to assess, by long-term evaluation, neuropsychological outcome in preterm twins in order to define a correct follow-up program. Our study was a cohort one, with an index and a comparison group. Neonatal medical records of all preterm newborns admitted to our centre between 1991 and 1997 were reviewed and selected patients were recalled. The sample population included two matched groups of children aged 6—12 years, 86 twins and 86 singletons, submitted to paediatric, neurological, psychological, and ophthalmological examinations. Inclusion criteria were twin pregnancy and gestational age 27—36 weeks for index group; same gestational age, but single pregnancy, for the comparison group. All children underwent paediatric and neuropsychiatric examinations, cognitive assessment, and psychological evaluation by standardized tests for screening of learning specific disorders and language difficulties, and finally, ophthalmological examination. In order to study their role in predicting neuropsychological outcome, we examined some perinatal prognostic factors by statistical analysis. Unfavourable neuropsychological outcome was observed in 55/172 (32%) children, with different prevalence in the two groups, 42/172 (24%) in twins and 13/172 (8%) in singletons. Statistical analysis performed for examined prognostic factors showed significant differences in neuropsychological outcome with regard only to gestational age < 32 weeks, low birth weight, intraventricular haemorrhage, and periventricular leukomalacia. The incidence of neuropsychological diseases in the two groups showed significant difference about language and learning difficulties. Our data suggest that preterm twins represent a particular high-risk category of premature babies, mostly regarding the risk of so-called “minimal brain dysfunction”, so a careful follow-up is recommended.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long-Term Neuropsychological Outcome in Preterm Twins

Iannone

Clelia

Chindemi

et al. 2006

The Scientific World JOURNAL

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Economic and social implications of multiple birth

Campbell

Teijlingen

Yip

2004

Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecol

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Development of very low birthweight twins at 4 years

Dezoete

Macarthur

2002

The Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist

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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.

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Neurodevelopmental Dysfunction and Specific Learning Disabilities in School-Aged Twins

Cited by 3 publications

References 26 publications

Long-Term Neuropsychological Outcome in Preterm Twins

Long-Term Neuropsychological Outcome in Preterm Twins

Economic and social implications of multiple birth

Development of very low birthweight twins at 4 years

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