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Low birth weight and its correlates among Nigerian twins.

The incidence and correlates of low birth weight (LBW) among an index population of 525 newborn Nigerian twins and a control population of 363 singletons were studied. The incidence of LBW among the twins (53.9%) was significantly higher than the incidence of 11.8% among the singletons (P < 0.001). Smallness for gestational age (SGA) was also higher (14.3%) among the twins compared with 1.4% among the singletons (P < 0.001). Morbidity factors frequently associated with LBW among the twins were perinatal asphyxia, hypothermia, neonatal seizures, and intracranial haemorrhage. Intrapartum asphyxia was particularly common in those preterm LBW twins who were also SGA. This raises serious concern because of the known higher risks of SGA preterm babies for severe neurologic sequelae. Low socioeconomic status (SES) of mothers was an important predisposing factor to LBW and SGA as well as to premature deliveries among the twins. Improved SES of the maternal population and increased awareness by health practitioners of the risks LBW twins face, should improve their immediate and later outcome. Furthermore, there is a need for the development of an intrauterine growth chart for Nigerian twins to enhance accurate diagnosis of LBW and SGA among newborn twins.