Outcome of monochorionic twin pregnancies with moderate amniotic fluid discordance adjoining twin-twin transfusion syndrome

Prenat Diagn. 2016 Feb;36(2):170-6. doi: 10.1002/pd.4765. Epub 2016 Jan 25.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the perinatal outcome in monochorionic diamniotic (MD) twin pregnancies complicated by amniotic fluid discordance (AFD) adjoining twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods: An observational study of 84 consecutive MD twin pregnancies complicated by AFD that resembled TTTS was conducted. AFD adjoining TTTS was defined by a maximal vertical pocket of amniotic fluid ≤3 cm in one twin and ≥7 cm in the other excluding TTTS. The study population was divided into two groups, group 1 and group 2, according to positive and absent or reversed end-diastolic flow (AREDF) in the umbilical artery, respectively.

Results: Fifteen of the 35 (42.9%) group 1 cases and 30 of the 49 (61.2%) group 2 cases progressed to TTTS. The overall survival and intact survival rate in constant AFD that never progressed to TTTS in group 1 was 100% (40/40) and 90% (36/40), respectively. The overall survival and intact survival rate of constant AFD in group 2 with selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) was 54.2% (13/24) and 41.7% (10/24), respectively, and for those without sIUGR was 64.3% (9/14) and 57.1% (8/14), respectively.

Conclusions: Constant AFD with AREDF in the umbilical artery represents an extremely high risk for adverse outcomes regardless of the presence of sIUGR.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amniotic Fluid / diagnostic imaging*
  • Chorion / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / mortality*
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Perinatal Death
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy, Twin
  • Premature Birth*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Twins, Monozygotic*