Does normal variation in birthweight confer susceptibility to health problems? A co-twin control study

Authors

  • Jennifer R. Harris m.fl

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5324/nje.v7i1.353

Abstract

 

ABSTRACT

Population-based twin data were used to study whether normal variation in birthweight confers

disadvantage for a variety of health outcomes from birth through young adulthood. The sample consists of

5,864 identical and fraternal twins and includes 2,570 intact pairs. Variation in birthweight may be

associated with an increased risk for epilepsy in males and with refractive disorders, chronic ear infections

and intestinal problems in women. Two variants of the co-twin control design, based on identical twins

only, were used to control for genetic and shared environmental effects that influence both birthweight and

the health outcome. Results indicated that the prevalence of health outcomes was not greater among the

lighter twin from birthweight discordant pairs. Furthermore, intra-pair differences in birthweight between

members of pairs who were health-discordant were significant only for nearsightedness among the MZ

males. Due to lack of statistical power these results should be interpreted with caution.

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Published

2009-10-19

How to Cite

Harris m.fl, J. R. (2009). Does normal variation in birthweight confer susceptibility to health problems? A co-twin control study. Norsk Epidemiologi, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.5324/nje.v7i1.353