SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Multiple Birth”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed1975

Multiple births in drug-addicted women.

Two sets of twins and two sets of triplets were delivered in a group of 126 pregnant drug addicts. The over-all multiple-birth incidence of 1:32 is three times more prevalent than that found in the general population. Three of the four multiple births were dizygotic. The mothers with the dizygotic multiple births were on moderate to elevated levels of heroin or methadone at the time of conception. Mechanisms are presented to help explain why narcotics may cause supraovulation and multiple births.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Epidemiological trends in multiple births in the United States, 1971-1998.

The astounding rise in multiple births in the United States continues. We analyzed live birth files from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. Twin, triplet, quadruplet, and quintuplet+ rates were calculated for the period 1971-1977 and for each year between 1990 and 1998. Triplet rates were also computed within categories of mother's education and age. The twin rate increased from 1.8% in 1971-77 to 2.8% in 1998. The rate of triplets increased 5.9-fold, quadruplets 11.9-fold, and quintuplets+ 5.3-fold between 1971-77 and 1998. Increases in triplet rates were much more marked among births to university-educated women and women 30 years and older. Among women 45 years and older, the triplet rate was approximately fifty times higher in 1998 than in 1971-77. This group of older women (> or = 45 years) had the highest multiple birth rate in 1998.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Economic and social implications of multiple birth.

This paper provides the background statistics and trends on multiple births. It highlights a number of factors that influence parents with multiples, including social situation, psychological adjustment and economic circumstances. It is often assumed that these areas of concern arise only after the babies have been born, but clinicians should be aware that many are seen in the antenatal period as well. Apart from the socioeconomic cost to individual families, multiple births also carry a cost to society. A number of self-help groups and voluntary organisations can assist parents of multiples. This is especially important if parents find that family and friends cannot or will not come forward.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMed2003

Does insurance coverage decrease the risk for multiple births associated with assisted reproductive technology?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether insurance coverage for ART is associated with transfer of fewer embryos and decreased risk of multiple births. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of a population-based sample of IVF procedures performed in six U.S. states during 1998. SETTING: Three states with mandated insurance coverage (Illinois, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island) and three states without coverage (Indiana, Michigan, and New Jersey). PARTICIPANT(S): Seven thousand, five hundred sixty-one IVF transfer procedures in patients < or = 35 years of age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Number of embryos transferred, multiple-birth rate, triplet or higher order birth rate, and triplet or higher order gestation rate. RESULT(S): A smaller proportion of procedures included transfer of three or more embryos in Massachusetts (64%) and Rhode Island (74%) than in the noninsurance states (82%). The multiple-birth rate in Massachusetts (38%) was less than in the noninsurance states (43%). The insurance states all had protective odds ratios for triplet or higher order births, but only the odds ratio (0.2) for Massachusetts was significant. This decreased risk in Massachusetts resulted from several factors, including a smaller proportion of patients with three or more embryos transferred, lower implantation rates when three or more embryos were transferred, and greater rates of fetal loss among triplet or higher order gestations. CONCLUSION(S): Insurance appears to affect embryo transfer practices. Whether this translates into decreased multiple birth risk is less clear.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

The higher rate of multiple births after periconceptional multivitamin supplementation: an analysis of causes.

A randomized controlled trial of periconceptional multivitamin supplementation (including 0.8 mg folic acid--see the Materials and Methods section for the precise composition of the multivitamin and trace-element supplementation) was carried out for at least 28 days before conception. The trial was continued until at least until the second missed menstrual period to test the effectiveness of this new primary preventive method in the reduction of neural tube defects. However, other pregnancy outcomes were also evaluated. Of a total of 5,502 pregnant women, 4,846 births were analysed in the final data base. The rate of multiple births was significantly higher in the multivitamin group (3.8%) than in the placebo-like trace-element control group (2.7%), and in both groups exceeded the multiple birth rate of 2.2% in the Hungarian population at large. 7.3% of women in the multivitamin and 7.9% of women in the trace-element groups had received ovarian stimulation treatment (mainly clomiphene) for hormonal dysfunctions, eg. anovulation. Nonetheless, our study showed that periconceptional multivitamin supplementation, with or without ovarian stimulation, increases the rate of multiple births.

Abortion, Induced↗

PubMed1992

The relation between multiple births and maternal risk of breast cancer.

Data from two case-control studies conducted in New York State during 1982-1986 were used to examine the relation between multiple births and the maternal risk of breast cancer. The cases were 2,561 women between 20 and 79 years of age with a diagnosis of primary breast cancer. Controls (n = 2,616) were selected from driver's license files and matched to cases by year of birth and county of residence. The odds ratio for any multiple birth was 0.94 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56-1.56) in women less than 55 years of age and 0.95 (95% CI 0.62-1.46) in women aged 55-79 years. A previous study had shown a multiple last birth to be protective against breast cancer in women less than 55 years of age (odds ratio (OR) = 0.60, 95% CI 0.43-0.85). A decreased risk of breast cancer was also observed for this age group in the present study, but the magnitude of the effect was not as strong and the confidence interval included unity (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.43-1.68). A logistic model that controlled for age at first pregnancy, number of live births, age, and county of residence increased the odds ratio to 0.97 for a multiple last birth. The current study does not support an association between multiple births and maternal risk of breast cancer.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Multiple births in ancient medical texts].

Ancient medical writers and biologists elaborated different theories to explain the phenomenon of multiple births. The earliest extant texts are in the Hippocratic collection and in the physiological treatises of Aristotle. They express opposed ideas: for the Hippocratics multiple births are the result of an ideal conception, for Aristotle they are regarded as anomalies associated with notions of monstrosity and excess. These views shed light on ancient collective imagery. Three themes in particular are found in non-medical literature and iconography: twin birth as a model of ideal fecundity, the ambiguous status of twins of different sexes, and the relation of multiple births to monstrosity and animality, as evidenced by the motif of twins born from one egg.

Female↗

PubMed2003

Maternal perinatal mental health and multiple births: implications for practice.

Women's mental health can be compromised during reproductive life, but to date there has been relatively little specific investigation of the links between multiple births and perinatal psychiatric illness. There has been more comprehensive examination of some of the psychological sequelae of multiple gestations and births, but many of the studies have small samples and are descriptive in nature. Most of the literature is drawn from investigations of the psychological aspects of multiple births following assisted conception. Current conceptualizations of the determinants of maternal perinatal mental health, with particular reference to multiple gestations and births are discussed and implications for clinical practice suggested. Overall there is evidence that women with multiple gestation and multiple births may be at elevated risk for pregnancy anxiety, postpartum depression and complicated grief reactions. Much less is currently known about the associations between multiple birth and either maternity blues or postpartum psychosis. The relationships between personal or family psychiatric history, past experience of childhood abuse, intimate partner intimidation and psychological adjustment to multiple births are not known. The interactions between multiple births, operative delivery, prematurity, neonatal illness and separation of mother and infant as contributing factors to maternal postpartum mental health are not known. There is very limited evidence about the psychological functioning of fathers of multiple infants. Routine antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal health care for women with multiple infants needs to take into account the additional psychological demands they face.

Depression, Postpartum↗

PubMed1998

[Multiple births in the medical texts of antiquity].

Congenital Abnormalities↗

PubMed2005

Multiple births and breast cancer prognosis: a population based study.

Survival in relation to endocrine or reproductive factors has rarely been studied since the focus of most studies has been on the risk of breast cancer. In this study we analysed the effect of multiple birth compared to single births on breast cancer survival. A population based cohort of 30619 women born after 1935 and diagnosed with primary breast cancer, between 1958 and 1998, was generated by linking a number of Swedish registries including Swedish Cancer Registry, Cause of Death Registry, Swedish Generation Registry and the Registry of Population and Population changes. Then we quantified the association between singleton and multiple births to breast cancer specific fatality using the Cox proportional hazards model. We found the singleton and multiple births were associated with increased fatality if breast cancer was diagnosed within 5 years of childbirth, this effect dying out to nil at 5 years after childbirth. Thereafter there was a protective effect on survival with time. Although childbirth is known to decrease breast cancer risk, this study demonstrates that a survival disadvantage exists for breast cancer diagnosed within the first 5 years of singleton and multiple births. It is concluded that breast cancer diagnosed within 5 years of childbirth, particularly if this or prior pregnancies have been multiple, should be regarded as a negative prognostic factor and considered in counselling and treatment of these patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Multiple birth concordance of street drug assays of meconium analysis.

To determine the prevalence of maternal drug usage in a mid-size midwestern city (population 250,000), we analyzed 1,175 consecutive meconium samples from the neonatal intensive care unit from March 1991 through December 1993. We focused on meconium assays from multiple births as a quality control method. Meconium specimens were analyzed using fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA-Abbott Diagnostics) with confirmation done by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Cutoff concentrations of 5 ng/g were utilized for all analytes. A total of 151 samples (12.9%) tested positive. Cocaine-exposed neonates had the highest positive rate (63 or 5.4%), followed by marijuana (52 cases or 4.4%), cocaethylene (12 cases or 1%), and amphetamine (1 case or 0.1%). Nine patients (0.8%) had multiple drugs present. There were a total of 23 sets of multiple births (21 twins, 2 triplets); 20 sets of multiple births (42 patients) had concordance with all births testing negative. Three sets of twins had concordance in testing positive, with 1 twin testing positive for cocaine while the other twin tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. No absolute discordance of twins assays were noted. The rate of maternal drug use through measurement of meconium is about 12.95% in this mid-sized midwestern city. Twin studies provide an excellent method for verifying fetal drug exposure. The use of sets of multiple births provides a unique internal quality control mechanism in determining fetal drug exposure.

Female↗

PubMed1999

Impact of multiple births and elective deliveries on the trends in low birth weight in Norway, 1967-1995.

To describe trends in low birth weight (less than 2,500 g), the authors analyzed 1.7 million live births and stillbirths registered between 1967 and 1995 in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. The proportion of low birth weight infants declined from 5.3% in 1967 to 4.5% in 1979 and was followed by a steady increase that reached 5.3% in 1995. Similar trends were observed in the proportion of preterm births. Mean birth weight increased from 3,456 g in 1967 to 3,518 g in 1995. From 1979 to 1987, the increase in the prevalence of low birth weight was related to single births, and after 1987 it was related to multiple births, which increased from 2.3% of all births in 1987 to 3.1% in 1995. The proportion of low birth weight in births occurring after 37 weeks of gestation declined continuously, resulting in low birth weight births' to an increasing extent being made up of births occurring before 37 weeks of gestation. In an ecologic analysis based on county of maternal residence, the increase in low birth weight among single births was accounted for by an increase in deliveries with induction of labor or cesarean section. The authors conclude that the overall proportion of low birth weight births is not a good indicator of health in a population with extensive use of obstetric procedures that affect gestational age or assisted fertilization, which increases the number of multiple births.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

How bereaved multiple-birth parents cope with hospitalization, homecoming, disposition for deceased, and attachment to survivors.

OBJECTIVE: To elicit bereaved multiple-birth parents' perceptions regarding support, disposition decisions, attachment to surviving multiples, discharge, and later coping. STUDY DESIGN: Narrative email survey of 70 bereaved parents with quantitative and qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Bereaved parents of multiples find neonatal hospitalization stressful. Not all caregivers acknowledged loss, although most parents would welcome brief loss discussions during survivors' hospitalization. Half of respondents felt social workers could help coordinate support or mental health care. Most participants recalled hospital support for loss, but only 43% recalled support for neonatal hospitalization. Respondents praised peer support and written materials. Parents felt ambivalent about disposition for deceased babies while comultiples were ill; most made prompt arrangements. Attachment to survivors was difficult for half. Breastfeeding and discharge planning were important, and 31% had difficulty coping at home. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers must communicate better with bereaved multiple-birth parents, whose desires for support, loss discussions, disposition, and discharge vary considerably.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1989

Multiple births and maternal risk of breast cancer.

Data from the Cancer and Steroid Hormone Study, a large nationwide population-based case-control study conducted in the United States in 1980-1982, were analyzed to investigate whether pregnancies ending in a multiple birth affect the risk of subsequent breast cancer. The cases were 3,918 parous women who were aged 20-54 years and newly diagnosed with breast cancer; controls were 4,047 parous women selected randomly from the same geographic areas as the cases. Multiple births were reported by 118 cases and 161 controls. After adjustment for other reproductive variables, having a multiple last birth was found to be protective against breast cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43-0.85), whereas having a multiple birth prior to the last birth was not (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.79-1.57). To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first investigation to report such a protective effect, and thus the finding warrants replication. One mechanism that might account for the effect involves the increased output of alpha-fetoprotein by multiple fetal livers.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Is paternal age associated with an increased risk of low birthweight, preterm delivery, and multiple birth?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if paternal age elevates the risk of low birthweight (< 2500g, LBW), preterm birth (< 37 weeks gestation), and multiple gestation among mothers whose age does not predict an elevated risk. DESIGN/METHODS: Population data on birth outcome, maternal age and paternal age was obtained from Alberta Health and Wellness for all births 1990-1996. RESULTS: Among women aged 25 to 29, regardless of parity, there was no linear relationship between paternal age and preterm birth or LBW. However, multiple birth rates increased with increased paternal age (p < 0.01). Among singleton births, advanced paternal age (>50 years) increased the risk of LBW and preterm birth (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Paternal age is not a risk factor for LBW or preterm delivery among low risk women. The increased risk of multiple birth with increased paternal age, regardless of parity, requires confirmation among other populations.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Elective transfer of one embryo results in an acceptable pregnancy rate and eliminates the risk of multiple birth.

To avoid multiple pregnancies without compromising pregnancy rates (PR) is a challenge in assisted reproduction. We have compared pregnancy results among 74 elective one-embryo transfers (group 2) and 94 transfers where only one embryo was available (group 1). All the fresh embryo cycles during 1997 in two clinics in Helsinki were analysed, and cumulative PR among these couples after frozen-thawed embryo transfers up to June 1998 were counted. In group 2, where at least two embryos were available for transfer, and only one was transferred on day 2 or 3, the PR per embryo transfer was 29.7%. In group 1, the PR per embryo transfer was 20.2%. In group 2, the cumulative PR after frozen-thawed embryo transfers was 47.3% per oocyte retrieval. Over the same time, 742 two-embryo transfers were carried out. The PR per embryo transfer was 29.4% in these subjects, but 23.9% of these pregnancies were twins. The implantation rates, as well as the PR, were highest when the embryos were at the four- to five-cell stage on day 2 (35.8 versus 9.7% compared with the two- to three-cell stage, P < 0.001) or at the six- to eight-cell stage on day 3 (45.5%). The PR per embryo transfer was higher when a grade 1 or 2 embryo was transferred compared with a grade three embryo (34. 0 and 26.7% versus 8.8% respectively, P < 0.05). In women 35 years or younger, the PR per elective one-embryo transfer was 32.8%. The corresponding figure in women older than 35 years was 18.8%. On the basis of these results, elective one-embryo transfer can be highly recommended, at least in subjects who are younger than 35 years of age, and who have grade one or grade two embryos available for transfer.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Multiple births and congenital anomalies in Tokyo Metropolitan Hospitals, 1979-1990.

The rate of multiple births and the incidence of congenital anomalies in Tokyo Metropolitan Hospitals were studied during the period 1979-1990. The number of twins was 968 pairs (8.23 per 1,000 deliveries) and of triplets 18 sets (15.3 per 100,000 deliveries) among 117,672 deliveries including 1,587 stillbirths after 16 weeks gestation. Multiple birth rates increased yearly. Stillbirth rates in twins and triplets were 5.5% and 16.7% respectively, which were both significantly higher than that in singletons (1.3%). The number of congenital anomalies was 42 in 1,936 twins (2.17%), 2 in 54 triplets (3.7%) and 1721 in 116,686 singletons (1.47%). The most common defects in twins were those of the cardiovascular system (0.72% in twins vs 0.52% in singletons) and of the musculoskeletal system (0.72% in twins vs 0.50% in singletons), followed by upper respiratory tract and/or mouth conditions (0.67% in twins vs 0.35% in singletons), all of which had no significant difference in frequency between twins and singletons. Though some anomalies had a significantly higher frequency in twins than in singletons, the concordance rate in the like-sexed twins was very low.

Congenital Abnormalities↗

PubMed2003

Defining success in multiple birth.

Where you sit defines success in the world of multiple births. One person's success is a failure to others. Comments and observations come from years of working with parents of multiple clubs and presentations to and discussions with obstetricians and neonatologists.

Female↗