Neurodevelopmental outcome of twins at two years of age according to the planned mode of delivery

Abstract

Objectives: To determine neurodevelopment at two years in twins.

Methods: At two years of age, all twins ≥32 weeks, delivered in our center and not randomized in the Twin Birth Study, underwent a neurodevelopment screen using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Children with ≥1 abnormal ASQ domain score were evaluated by a pediatrician. Results were documented according to a planned cesarean section (PCS) or a planned vaginal delivery (PVD).

Results: An ASQ was obtained from 185 children (67%). No significant differences in percentages of abnormal scores were found between the PCS group and the PVD group or between twins A and B. Pediatric assessment revealed three children with a neurodevelopmental delay. Five other children were already under pediatric or general practitioner care for other reasons. One child with a congenital anomaly was born by a PCS, two twins A and five twins B were born in the PVD group.

Conclusion: ASQ screening revealed no significant differences in abnormal neurodevelopment in twins at two years of age according to the mode of delivery. Pediatric assessment suggested an increased incidence for abnormal neurodevelopment in twins B born by PVD.

• Ages and Stages Questionnaire
• neurodevelopment
• planned mode of delivery
• planned vaginal delivery
• primary cesarean section
• twins
• twin gestation

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the study nurses Jeanine Rinkens, Eugenie Reijnders-Pelt and Hanny Ploum for all their efforts in collecting data.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.