Annals of African Medicine

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year
: 2009  |  Volume : 8  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 110--114

Intrapair birthweight discordance in twins


Alphonsus N Onyiriuka 
 Department of Child Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B 1111, Benin City, Nigeria

Correspondence Address:
Alphonsus N Onyiriuka
University of Benin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B 1111, Benin City
Nigeria

Background : Birthweight differences in twin pairs influence their perinatal outcome as well as growth and development. Growth-discordant twins have not been well characterized in our local environment. Objective : To determine the frequency of birthweight discordance in live-born twin pairs and document some factors that may influence it. Methods : In this cross-sectional study, 104 live-born twin pairs were recruited and their intrapair birthweight differences were determined. Twin pairs whose birthweight difference was 15% or more, using the larger infant as the growth standard, were designated as discordant. The maternal age, parity, and birth order of the heavier twin were noted. Results : The prevalence of birthweight discordance was 28.8% when a 15% cut-off point was used but dropped to 9.6% when a 25% cut-off point was applied. Grand multiparity was associated with a significantly increased risk of delivery of discordant twins. Same-sex twin pairs accounted for 60% of all cases of birthweight discordance. Conclusion : Birthweight discordance is common in twin gestations in Benin City, especially among grand multiparous women.


How to cite this article:
Onyiriuka AN. Intrapair birthweight discordance in twins.Ann Afr Med 2009;8:110-114


How to cite this URL:
Onyiriuka AN. Intrapair birthweight discordance in twins. Ann Afr Med [serial online] 2009 [cited 2023 Mar 24 ];8:110-114
Available from: https://www.annalsafrmed.org/article.asp?issn=1596-3519;year=2009;volume=8;issue=2;spage=110;epage=114;aulast=Onyiriuka;type=0