CEREBRAL-PALSY AND MULTIPLE BIRTHS

Aim-To compare the birthweight specific prevalence of cerebral palsy i n singleton and multiple births. Methods-Registered births of babies w ith cerebral palsy born to mothers resident in the counties of Merseys ide and Cheshire during the period 1982 to 1989 were ascertained. Resu lts-The crude prevalence of cerebral palsy was 2.3 per 1000 infant sur vivors in singletons, 12.6 in twins, and 44.8 in triplets. The prevale nce of cerebral palsy rose with decreasing birthweight. The birthweigh t specific prevalence among those of low birthweight < 2500 g was not significantly different in singleton than in multiple births. Among in fants weighing greater than or equal to 2500 g, there was a significan tly higher risk in multiple than in singleton births. The higher crude cerebral palsy prevalence in multiple births is partly due to the low er birthweight distribution and partly due to the higher risk among no rmal birthweight infants. Conclusions-Multiple birth babies are at inc reased risk of cerebral palsy. There is also an increased risk of cere bral palsy within a twin pregnancy if the co-twin has died in utero.