Longitudinal neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm twins.

CONCLUSIONS: Neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm twins may relate more strongly to environmental factors than genetics. Discordant twins were born earlier and had more perinatal morbidities. Despite the initial discordance, these twin pairs become similar in outcomes over time, which may reflect the positive impact of home environment or early intervention programs. IMPACT: Neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm twins relate more strongly to environmental factors than genetics.Monozygotic twins did not show greater agreement in outcomes relative to dizygotic twins suggesting a stronger environmental, rather than genetic, influence on development.Twin pairs who were discordant in development were born at a lower gestational age and had a higher incidence of perinatal morbidities.Despite the initial discordance, these twin pairs become more similar in cognitive and language outcomes over time, which may reflect the positive impact of early intervention programs or home environment.Neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm twins are influenced by exposure to early-life insults or environmental stressors.The initial variability in outcomes among preterm infants is not fixed, and efforts made post-discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit can have a substantial impact on long-term outcomes. PMID: 32172281 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Pediatric Research - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Pediatr Res Source Type: research