Mechanisms of twinning: VIII. Maternal height, insulinlike growth factor and twinning rate.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relationship of maternal height to the rate of twinning and the possible connection of these parameters to the coexistent level of insulinlike growth factor (IGF).


METHODS
Since spontaneous multiple gestations in humans are relatively uncommon in general, it is reasonable to consider distin guishing physical attributes such as height, that may have some functional relationship to this phenomenon. In a prior study, hereditary and dietary factors affecting the level of IGF were found to correlate with the rate of twinning. In that height is known to parallel the serum level of IGF, a survey of women who had previously conceived spontaneously and had given birth to twins or triplets was undertaken. Their heights were compared with the mean value for the general female population,


RESULTS
Mothers of 129 sets of spontaneous multiples displayed a mean height of 164.8 cm as compared to 161.8 cm for the general population of women (p < 0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
These data confirm those from previous studies and corroborate the proposed relationship between maternal height and the rate of twinning. Thus, the results reported here further support the IGF model of twinning.
Steinman
Gary
G
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, USA. dav4601@aol.com
D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology*; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000502:physiology; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D013002:Somatomedins / Q000502:physiology*; D014427:Twins / Q000502:physiology*
D013002:Somatomedins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D013006:Growth Hormone