H. Bode et al., TRIPLETS AND QUADRUPLETS AT THE AGE OF 4- 9 YEARS - DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS, Monatsschrift fur Kinderheilkunde, 143(2), 1995, pp. 134-138
Background: The development of triplets and quadruplets born in Switze
rland between 1983 and 1988 as well as the socioeconomic situation of
their families was evaluated. Methods: A detailed standardized questio
naire was sent to all families with at least one surviving child out o
f a higher order pregnancy. Results: 89 families were identified. We o
btained responses from 54 families with 158 surviving children (47 tri
pler and 7 quadruplet pregnancies). At the mean age of 5 1/2, years, 5
1% of the triplets and 23% of the quadruplets had developed normally.
37% of the triplets and 64% of the quadruplets presented mild, 12% of
the triplets and 16% of the quadruplets severe developmental disabilit
y. A major handicap was reported in only 3 quadruplets. Developmental
disability was observed more often in boys and in monozygous compared
to polyzygous triplets. 74% of the families received various amounts o
f social and financial external support. Conclusion: Even years after
birth surviving triplets and quadruplets frequently show some developm
ental disability, but rarely major handicaps. Continuous social suppor
t: is required during pregnancy and the years after birth.