Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Survivors of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Twin Res Hum Genet. 2016 Jun;19(3):255-61. doi: 10.1017/thg.2016.26. Epub 2016 May 3.

Abstract

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a severe complication of monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies associated with high perinatal mortality and morbidity rates. Management in TTTS is a major challenge for obstetricians and neonatologists. Twins with TTTS are often born prematurely after an extremely distressing and highly hazardous fetal period. Follow-up studies report varying rates of cerebral palsy (CP) and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). This review discusses the latest findings on the long-term outcome of TTTS survivors, possible risk factors for long-term impairment, and provides recommendations for future research.

Keywords: amnioreduction; laser surgery; monochorionic twins; neurodevelopmental outcome; twin–twin transfusion syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Palsy / etiology
  • Cerebral Palsy / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Fetal Death
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / complications
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / epidemiology
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / etiology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy, Twin
  • Survivors