Management of atypical cases of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Too Much of a Good Thing: Updated Current Management and Perinatal Outcomes of Polyhydramnios

Amniotic fluid assessment is crucial in prenatal ultrasound to monitor fetal conditions, with polyhydramnios, characterized by excessive amniotic fluid, affecting 1%-2% of pregnancies. Polyhydramnios is linked to complications such as placental abruption, preterm labor, congenital anomalies, and postpartum hemorrhage, emphasizing the need for early detection and management. While idiopathic causes account for 60%-70% of cases, other causes include impaired fetal swallowing and increased urine production due to maternal, fetal, and placental conditions. Accurate amniotic fluid volume (AFV) assessment and surveying the underlying cause are important, with ultrasound methods such as deep vertical pocket (DVP) and amniotic fluid index (AFI) preferred. Polyhydramnios is defined by an AFV exceeding 2000 ml, an AFI over 24 cm, or DVP more than 8 cm. Management typically targets underlying causes, with treatments such as amnioreduction and indomethacin for severe cases. Antepartum monitoring includes detailed fetal ultrasound, genomic and genetic examinations, and tests for maternal diabetes and infections. Intrapartum management addresses complications such as malpresentation and shoulder dystocia, whereas postpartum care involves monitoring for uterine atony and hemorrhage. Perinatal outcomes in idiopathic polyhydramnios are generally poorer, with increased risks of fetal demise, preterm delivery, and neonatal complications, but these results may need further stratification and verification.

Doppler Finding, Cardiovascular Function Assessment, and Fetuses' Survival Following the Fetoscopic Laser in Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV) on cardiac function in twins with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated 178 women with twin pregnancies complicated with TTTS and scheduled for SLPCV between 16 and 26 weeks of gestation. The severity of TTTS was determined by Quintero staging and the severity of cardiovascular disorders by the CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) score. Patient survival was evaluated through a one-month-after-birth follow-up of fetuses. Results: The study revealed significant improvements in Doppler indices in both donors and recipients after SLPCV. The CHOP score also significantly decreased after the intervention. One-month-after-birth survival rates were 55.1% in donors and 56.7% in recipients. Some Doppler indexes of fetuses before SLPCV could predict survival until one month after birth. Conclusion: The study suggests that SLPCV can improve cardiac function in fetuses with TTTS and that some Doppler indexes can predict survival outcomes. Additionally, the severity of TTTS can be a powerful indicator of the severity of cardiovascular complications.