Do multiple gestations raise the risk of cerebral palsy?
There is an increased risk of CP in multiple as compared with singleton pregnancies, and the higher the number of fetuses the greater is the prevalence of CP. Although LBW and preterm birth are the most significant risk factors for CP, the disadvantage of twins is apparent near term. Moreover, the excessive risk is not only the result of over-representation of multiples among premature babies, but seems to be associated with circumstances that are unique to the twinning process. The risk of CP should be acknowledged not only when a multiple pregnancy is diagnosed, but also when counseling infertility patients in whom iatrogenic multiple pregnancies are an actual risk.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, 76100 Rehovot, Israel. blick@netvision.net.il
Isaac
I
Blickstein
D001724:Birth Weight; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000151:congenital*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors