Membrane Separation and Perinatal Outcomes after Laser Treatment for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Postoperative membrane separation is a complication of selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV) for the treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Objective: The aim of this work was to determine whether a quantitative grading system of membrane separation following SLPCV was associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and preterm delivery (PTD).

Methods: Patients with membrane separation after SLPCV on postoperative day 1 were stratified into greatest width of separation <1 cm (Group A) or ≥1 cm (Group B) and compared to patients without separation by the following outcomes: PPROM ≤21 postoperative days, PTD <28 gestational weeks, and PTD <32 gestational weeks.

Results: Of 654 patients, 123 (18.8%) had membrane separation. Of these, 120 patients were eligible for study and divided into Groups A (n = 91) and B (n = 29). Multiple logistic regression analysis yielded associations with PPROM ≤21 days for Groups B (OR 8.60, 95% CI 3.38-21.90, p < 0.0001) and A (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.05-5.40, p = 0.0369) compared to those without membrane separation. In similar models, Group B was associated with PTD <32 weeks (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.10-5.28, p = 0.0274).

Conclusion: Postoperative membrane separation was associated with an increased risk of PPROM ≤21 days. Membrane separation ≥1 cm had a higher risk of PTD <32 weeks.

Keywords: Fetal membranes; Membrane separation; Preterm delivery; Preterm premature rupture of membranes.