Preterm twin and triplet pregnancies are at increased risk for the development of cystic periventricular leukomalacia.

BACKGROUND

An increased risk of cerebral palsy in multiples has been reported.

AIMS: To determine the risk for the development of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) of twin and triplet pregnancy.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective single-centre study at a tertiary care university hospital.

SUBJECTS: Infants ≤ 35 weeks gestational age born between 1988 and 2008.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Risk of twin and triplet compared to singleton pregnancy regarding development of PVL in one offspring.

RESULTS

Of 6195 infants 117 singletons and 39 multiples were diagnosed as having cystic PVL. Perinatal data did not differ as did not ultrasonographic findings and neurologic outcome. The relative risk (RR) of a twin pregnancy resulting in at least one infant with PVL when born prior to 36 weeks was 2.181 (CI 95% 1.474-3.228, p < .0001), and 6.793 (CI 95% 2.470-13.108, p < .0001) of a triplet pregnancy. In-vitro fertilisation was present in 3% of affected twins compared to 100% in triplets (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

We found an increased risk for PVL in preterm twin and triplet pregnancies.