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Rebai N, Lopriore E, Bekker V, Slaghekke F, Schoenaker MHD, Groene SG. Necrotizing enterocolitis in monochorionic twins: Insights from an identical twin model. Early Hum Dev 2024; 194:106052. [PMID: 38781714 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.106052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in preterm neonates, yet its pathophysiology remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate risk factors for NEC using an identical twin model. In this case-control study, all monochorionic twin pairs born in our center in 2002-2020 were retrospectively reviewed for NEC. Potential risk factors for NEC were studied. For within-pair comparison, outcomes were compared between affected and unaffected twins. Within-pair analyses showed that the twin with NEC had a lower birth weight compared to its unaffected co-twin (1100 (913-1364) vs. 1339 (1093-1755) grams). Median gestational age at birth and birth weight were lower in twin pairs in the NEC-group compared to the no-NEC group, 29.1 weeks (27.8-30.8) versus 33.6 (30.7-36.0) and 1221 g (1010-1488) versus 1865 (1356-2355) respectively. Twin pregnancies in the NEC-group were more often complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome compared to the no-NEC-group (70 % (14/20) vs. 49 % (472/962)), particularly when treated with amnioreduction. This unique population of identical twins confirms that preterm neonates with a relatively lower birth weight are more prone to develop NEC compared to their co-twin, regardless of other genetic, maternal and obstetrical factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Rebai
- Neonatoloy, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Enrico Lopriore
- Neonatoloy, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Vincent Bekker
- Neonatoloy, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Femke Slaghekke
- Department of Obstetrics, Division of Fetal Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michiel H D Schoenaker
- Neonatoloy, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Laboratory for Pediatric Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie G Groene
- Neonatoloy, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
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Krispin E, Javinani A, Odibo A, Carreras E, Emery SP, Sepulveda Gonzalez G, Habli M, Hecher K, Ishii K, Miller J, Papanna R, Johnson A, Khalil A, Kilby MD, Lewi L, Bennasar Sans M, Otaño L, Zaretsky MV, Sananes N, Turan OM, Slaghekke F, Stirnemann J, Van Mieghem T, Welsh AW, Yoav Y, Chmait R, Shamshirsaz AA. Consensus protocol for management of early and late twin-twin transfusion syndrome: Delphi study. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:371-377. [PMID: 37553800 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) is a well-established treatment for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) between 16 and 26 weeks' gestation. High-quality evidence and guidelines regarding the optimal clinical management of very early (prior to 16 weeks), early (between 16 and 18 weeks) and late (after 26 weeks) TTTS are lacking. The aim of this study was to construct a structured expert-based clinical consensus for the management of early and late TTTS. METHODS A Delphi procedure was conducted among an international panel of experts. Participants were chosen based on their clinical expertise, affiliation and relevant publications. A four-round Delphi survey was conducted using an online platform and responses were collected anonymously. In the first round, a core group of experts was asked to answer open-ended questions regarding the indications, timing and modes of treatment for early and late TTTS. In the second and third rounds, participants were asked to grade each statement on a Likert scale (1, completely disagree; 5, completely agree) and to add any suggestions or modifications. At the end of each round, the median score for each statement was calculated. Statements with a median grade of 5 without suggestions for change were accepted as the consensus. Statements with a median grade of 3 or less were excluded from the Delphi process. Statements with a median grade of 4 were modified according to suggestions and reconsidered in the next round. In the last round, participants were asked to agree or disagree with the statements, and those with more than 70% agreement without suggestions for change were considered the consensus. RESULTS A total of 122 experts met the inclusion criteria and were invited to participate, of whom 53 (43.4%) agreed to take part in the study. Of those, 75.5% completed all four rounds. A consensus on the optimal management of early and late TTTS was obtained. FLP can be offered as early as 15 weeks' gestation for selected cases, and can be considered up to 28 weeks. Between 16 and 18 weeks, management should be tailored according to Doppler findings. CONCLUSIONS A consensus-based treatment protocol for early and late TTTS was agreed upon by a panel of experts. This protocol should be modified at the discretion of the operator, according to their experience and the specific demands of each case. This should advance the quality of future studies, guide clinical practice and improve patient care. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Krispin
- Maternal Fetal Care Center (MFCC), Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Javinani
- Maternal Fetal Care Center (MFCC), Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Odibo
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - E Carreras
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S P Emery
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - G Sepulveda Gonzalez
- Instituto de Salud Fetal (ISF), Hospital Regional Materno Infantil, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, México
| | - M Habli
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fetal Care Center of Cincinnati, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - K Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - K Ishii
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Osaka, Japan
| | - J Miller
- The Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - R Papanna
- Fetal Center, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A Johnson
- Fetal Center, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - M D Kilby
- Fetal Medicine Center, Birmingham Women's and Children's Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Illumina UK, Great Abbington, Cambridge, UK
| | - L Lewi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Bennasar Sans
- BCNatal, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center, Hospital Clínic i Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Otaño
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Obstetric Division, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Instituto Universitario Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M V Zaretsky
- Colorado Fetal Care Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - N Sananes
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- Inserm 1121 'Biomaterials and Bioengineering', Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - O M Turan
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - F Slaghekke
- Department of Obstetrics, Fetal Medicine Unit, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J Stirnemann
- Department of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - T Van Mieghem
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - A W Welsh
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Hospital for Women, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Y Yoav
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - R Chmait
- Los Angeles Fetal Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - A A Shamshirsaz
- Maternal Fetal Care Center (MFCC), Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Tran NN, Hutto S, Liu J, Bullock T, Virgilio R, Flowers DL. Necrotizing Enterocolitis in an Infant With a History of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e56720. [PMID: 38646314 PMCID: PMC11032729 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This case report describes necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in an infant with a history of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). TTTS is a volume imbalance where the anastomosis at the vascular equator between the two placentae shifts from the donor to the recipient twin. This causes a higher risk for NEC, a marked inflammation caused by bacterial infection into the intestinal wall, from prematurity and intestinal hypoperfusion. Complications include sepsis, bowel necrosis, perforation, peritonitis, and death. NEC is a leading cause of morbidity in preterm infants. A 3-month-old female with a history of TTTS and prematurity presented with her mother to the pediatric emergency department (ED) for bloody diarrhea, emesis, lack of appetite, and lethargy for 4 days. The pediatrician changed the formula due to a possible milk allergy, however, she continued to have bloody diarrhea. Over the 2 days, the patient had nonbilious and non-bloody emesis and couldn't tolerate oral intake. In the ED, labs showed neutropenia and sepsis. She had a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and an abdominal x-ray that revealed dilated loops of bowel and pneumatosis intestinalis. She was started on intravenous (IV) fluids for maintenance of hydration. She was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics including intravenous (IV) vancomycin and meropenem, and had her feedings temporarily stopped. The patient was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at a tertiary care/children's hospital that evening where she had a laparotomy performed to resect the diseased intestine. She was discharged 10 days after the surgery for home recovery with clinical follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nga N Tran
- Medical School, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn, USA
| | - Sydney Hutto
- Medical School, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn, USA
| | - James Liu
- Medical School, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, USA
| | | | - Richard Virgilio
- Clinical Affairs, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn, USA
| | - David L Flowers
- Pediatric Medicine, Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital Midtown Campus, Georgia, USA
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van der Schot AM, van Steenis JL, Sikkel E, Spaanderman MEA, van Drongelen J. Impact of cannula diameter on pregnancy outcomes after minimally invasive fetal laser surgery in the treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024. [PMID: 38400574 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) remains a major complication of fetal laser surgery in the treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). The aim of the study was to determine the impact of cannula size on pregnancy outcomes, with a particular focus on PPROM. MATERIAL AND METHODS The protocol was developed and registered in the PROSPERO database under registration number CRD42022333630. The PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched electronically on May 18, 2022, and updated on March 2, 2023, utilizing a combination of the relevant MeSH terms, keywords, and word variants for "TTTS" and "laser". Randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohorts, case-control studies, and case reports/series with more than five participants were considered eligible for inclusion. Studies reporting the cannula diameter and PPROM rate after laser surgery in the treatment of monochorionic pregnancies affected by TTTS between 16- and 26 weeks' gestation were included. Data was extracted independently, and when appropriate, a random-effects meta-analysis was undertaken to calculate pooled estimates and their confidence intervals. Heterogeneity in the effect estimates of the individual studies was calculated using the I2 statistic. The primary outcome was PPROM rate. Secondary outcomes were survival rate, preterm birth, and incomplete surgery. The quality of the included studies was assessed using a modified quality in prognosis study tool. RESULTS We included a total of 22 studies, consisting of 3426 patients. Only one study was scored as low quality, seven as moderate quality, and the remaining 14 as high quality. The mean PPROM rate after laser surgery treating TTTS was 22.9%, ranging from 11.6% for 9 French (Fr) to 54.0% for 12 Fr. Subsequent meta-regression for the clinically relevant PPROM rate before 34 weeks of gestation, showed increased PPROM rates for increased cannula size (p-value 0.01). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review confirmed PPROM as a frequent complication of fetal laser surgery, with a mean PPROM rate of 22.9%. A larger cannula diameter relates to a significant higher PPROM risk for PPROM before 34 weeks gestation. Hence, the ideal balance between optimal visualization requiring larger port diameters and shorter operation time and more complete procedures that benefit from larger diameters is crucial to reduce iatrogenic PPROM rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk M van der Schot
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Josee L van Steenis
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Technical Medicine, Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Sikkel
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marc E A Spaanderman
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joris van Drongelen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Ezazi Bojnordi T, Eslamian L, Marsoosi V, Golbabaei A, Sheikh Vatan M, Shamshirsaz AA, Eshraghi N, Ghaemi M. Doppler Finding, Cardiovascular Function Assessment, and Fetuses' Survival Following the Fetoscopic Laser in Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. J Lasers Med Sci 2023; 14:e64. [PMID: 38318221 PMCID: PMC10843211 DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2023.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahmineh Ezazi Bojnordi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Laleh Eslamian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vajiheh Marsoosi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Golbabaei
- Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Sheikh Vatan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza A. Shamshirsaz
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nasim Eshraghi
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Ghaemi
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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SUI Z. Analysis of risk factors and changes in myocardial biomarker levels in 122 cases of early neonatal anemia. Turk J Med Sci 2023; 54:275-279. [PMID: 38812621 PMCID: PMC11031178 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/aim Anemia in the first week after birth, which could affect growth, development, and organ function, should be an important warning sign to clinicians. The aim of this study was to assess the related risk factors of early neonatal anemia and to analyze the effect of anemia on the expression levels of myocardial markers in newborns. Materials and methods Clinical data from 122 confirmed cases of anemic newborns and 108 nonanemic newborns were collected to analyze the independent risk factors for early anemia using logistic regression analyses. Blood samples were collected from both groups for the detection of myocardial markers, including the protein marker cardiac troponin T (cTnT), as well as enzyme markers creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preterm birth (OR: 3.589 [1.119-11.506], p < 0.05), multiple pregnancy (OR: 4.117 [1.021-16.611], p < 0.05), and abnormal placenta (OR: 4.712 [1.077-20.625], p < 0.05) were independent risk factors for early neonatal anemia. The levels of myocardial markers, including cTnT (303.1 ± 244.7 vs. 44.2 ± 55.41 ng/L), CK-MB (6.803 ± 8.971 vs. 2.5326 ± 2.927 μkat/L), and LDH (32.42 ± 35.26 vs. 19.73 ± 17.13 μkat/L), were significantly higher in the anemic group than in the nonanemic group. Conclusion Multiple pregnancy, preterm birth, and abnormal placenta were identified as risk factors for early neonatal anemia. The occurrence of early neonatal anemia was associated with increased levels of myocardial markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua SUI
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin,
China
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Whittaker M, Greatholder I, Kilby MD, Heazell AEP. Risk factors for adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies: a narrative review. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2240467. [PMID: 37518183 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2240467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Globally, the incidence of twin pregnancies is rising owing to the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), emigration and deferment of pregnancy until advanced maternal age (AMA). While twin pregnancies have higher absolute risks of adverse outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death and preterm delivery, the impact of specific exposures and risk factors related to these outcomes may differ between twin pregnancies and singleton pregnancies. Regarding modifiable factors, data are sometimes based on evidence extrapolated from singleton or whole obstetric populations. Therefore, targeted evidence is required to provide care tailored to twin pregnancies to prevent adverse outcomes. We aimed to comprehensively review the association between different risk factors and adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies, including data on chorionicity, and to compare these to singletons. MATERIALS AND METHODS This review examines the risks associated with chorionicity, AMA, body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities, maternal smoking, use of ART, maternal perception of fetal movement, and maternal comorbidities, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Adverse outcomes reported were preterm birth, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), stillbirth and neonatal mortality. As such, fetal mortality and morbidity will be under-represented, as pregnancy loss before 22-24 weeks is omitted. RESULTS Monochorionicity increases the risk of stillbirth, NICU admission, and preterm delivery in twin pregnancy. AMA predisposes twin pregnancies to higher risks of mortality, admission to the NICU, and preterm birth than singleton pregnancies do. Conversely, the impact of BMI, socioeconomic inequalities, smoking, ART, and HDP on adverse outcomes appears to be lower in twin pregnancies than in singleton pregnancies. This attenuation might be explained by the higher baseline risk of adverse outcomes such as preterm birth in twin pregnancies. Some exposures, such as ART use and GDM, appear to be "protective" against perinatal mortality in twin pregnancies, despite being established risk factors for adverse outcomes in singleton pregnancies, potentially related to access to specialist care. There is a paucity of evidence available to counsel mothers of twin pregnancies regarding reduced fetal movement. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes differ between twin and singleton pregnancies. This highlights the need for further studies to examine the association between risk factors and adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies. The resulting data would facilitate tailored guidance for twin pregnancies, contribute to improved antenatal care, and inform wider public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Whittaker
- Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Isabelle Greatholder
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark D Kilby
- West Midlands Fetal Medicine Centre, Birmingham Women's and Children's Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Emeritus Professor of Fetal Medicine, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
- Illumina UK, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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8
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Perinatal and neonatal outcomes for fetoscopic laser ablation for the treatment of twin twin transfusion syndrome at a single center. J Perinatol 2023; 43:147-154. [PMID: 36473930 PMCID: PMC9898021 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01568-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the perinatal and neonatal outcomes of fetal laser ablation (FLA) for the treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in our single center institution. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study of 76 treated pregnant women. Procedural complications, perinatal and neonatal outcomes analyzed. Differences in outcomes between two procedural techniques, selective and Solomon, compared. RESULTS FLA occurred at median gestational age (GA) of 20.8 weeks (IQR 18.1-22.9) with low incidence of procedural complications (5.3%). High survival rate with delivery of at least one neonate (96%) [95% CI: 88.9-99.2%]; 73.7% [95% CI: 62.3-83.1%] were twins. Median GA at birth was 33.1 weeks (IQR 28.0-35.0). Neonatal mortality and morbidities were 9.4% and 48.3% of cases respectively, and associated with lower GA. Solomon cases had comparatively higher median GA, and lower incidences of neonatal morbidities. CONCLUSION Our small single center study showed favorable outcomes for using the Solomon technique in the treatment of TTTS.
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9
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da Silva Rocha J, Guedes-Martins L, Cunha A. Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS): From Basic Research to Clinical Practice. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2023; 21:91-105. [PMID: 36718965 DOI: 10.2174/1570161121666230131112930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Twin pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of perinatal and maternal complications, and early establishment of the chorionicity type defines this risk. In monochorionic (MC) pregnancies, the fetuses share the same placental mass and exhibit vascular anastomoses crossing the intertwin membrane, and the combination and pattern of anastomoses determine the primary clinical picture and occurrence of future complications. Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS) was first described in 2006 after fetoscopic laser surgery in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) twins, and in 2007, the first spontaneous cases were reported, recognizing TAPS as an individualized vascular identity in fetofetal transfusion syndromes. There are two types of TAPS: spontaneous (3-5%) and iatrogenic or postlaser (2-16%). TAPS consists of small diameter arteriovenous anastomoses (<1 mm) and low-rate, small-caliber AA anastomoses in the absence of amniotic fluid discordances. There are certain antenatal and postnatal diagnostic criteria, which have progressively evolved over time. New, additional secondary markers have been proposed, and their reliability is being studied. The best screening protocol for TAPS in MC twins is still a matter of debate. This review provides a survey of the relevant literature on the epidemiology, vascular pathophysiology, underlying hemodynamic factors that regulate mismatched vascular connections, and diagnostic criteria of this condition. The aim is to increase awareness and knowledge about this recently identified and frequently unrecognized and misdiagnosed pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana da Silva Rocha
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Luís Guedes-Martins
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto EPE, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Centro de Medicina Fetal, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, Porto 4099-001, Portugal
- Unidade de Investigação e Formação - Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Porto 4099-001, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Portugal
| | - Ana Cunha
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto EPE, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Centro de Medicina Fetal, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, Porto 4099-001, Portugal
- Unidade de Investigação e Formação - Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Porto 4099-001, Portugal
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Gordon Z, Fattal-Valevski A, Elad D, Jaffa AJ. Controlled amnioreduction for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2022; 16:26334941221080727. [PMID: 35369393 PMCID: PMC8969010 DOI: 10.1177/26334941221080727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a severe condition causing preterm delivery, fetal death, and neurodevelopmental disorders. This study presents a data-based controlled amnioreduction (AR) protocol composed of sequential amniodrainage in treatment of TTTS. Methods: A total of 18 procedures were performed in 11 TTTS pregnancies at 17 to 34 weeks of gestation. The amniotic pressure was measured along with sequential removal of the amniotic fluid, 500 mL each step. The umbilical artery systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio for each twin was measured pre- and post-AR. Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of all TTTS survivors were evaluated from parental answers to a phone survey. Results: The amniotic pressure decreased exponentially with the increased volume of removed amniotic fluid until a plateau was obtained. Changes of the S/D ratio between pre- and post-AR procedure did not reveal a clear tendency. The survival rate was 86.4% although 91% of all twins were at Quintero stage III. Long-term neurodevelopment outcomes in the 19 surviving twins were 68.4% optimal, 26.3% suboptimal, and 5.3% abnormal. Conclusion: The controlled AR procedure resulted in a relatively high rate of twin survival with favorable long-term neurodevelopment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoya Gordon
- Ultrasound Unit in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
| | - Aviva Fattal-Valevski
- Pediatric Neurology Institute, Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - David Elad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel J. Jaffa
- Ultrasound Unit in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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