Distinct birth size and postnatal growth patterns in preterm twins and singletons: an etiology-based analysis from the INTERPRACTICE-21st study.

OBJECTIVE

Compare birth size and postnatal growth between preterm twins and singletons across gestational age categories and etiologic subgroups.

STUDY

DESIGN

Preterm twins and singletons (n = 3245) were classified into nine subgroups based on predefined preterm birth etiologies. Postnatal growth (weight, length and head circumference) trajectories were evaluated using multilevel linear regression models accounting for repeated measurements, expressed as z-score changes from birth to hospital discharge based on INTERGROWTH-21st Standards.

RESULTS

Twins were significantly smaller at birth than singletons, particularly in late preterm category, but not in the very preterm category. Twin postnatal growth was slower (unadjusted models); most differences attenuated or reversed after adjusting for birth size and key covariates. Twins in the 'pre-eclampsia' subgroup showed greater adjusted postnatal weight, whereas weight gain was persistently lower in the 'perinatal sepsis' subgroup.

CONCLUSION

Preterm twins and singletons have distinct intrauterine and postnatal growth patterns, varying by preterm birth etiology and gestational age categories.