TRIPLETS AND QUADRUPLETS AT THE AGE OF 4- 9 YEARS - DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS

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.