Neonatal outcome following long-distance air travel for fetoscopic laser coagulation treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the impact of undertaking long-distance air travel to a specialized medical center while pregnant in order to undergo fetoscopic laser coagulation (FLC) for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of women with TTTS who travelled by air (n=16) or land (n=61) to the Centre of Perinatal Diagnosis and Microinvasive Fetal Surgery, Mainz, Germany, between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010. All women underwent FLC on arrival at the study center. Neonatal outcome, postoperative neonatal survival rates, and rates of adverse effects were recorded.

Results: The postoperative survival rate for a single twin was 100.0% (n=16) in the flight group and 98.3% in the land transportation group (n=60). The postoperative survival rate for both twins was 81.3% in the flight group (n=13) and 75.4% (n=46) in the land transportation group. No differences in neonatal outcome or the rate of adverse effects were observed between the 2 groups. No flight-related pregnancy complications were recorded.

Conclusion: Long-distance air travel to a specialized tertiary care medical center is sufficiently safe to warrant recommendation to pregnant women with TTTS who require FLC.