Predictors of fetal death, neonatal survival and neurological outcomes in severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated by laser ablation of placental vessels

Prenat Diagn. 2024 Mar;44(3):325-335. doi: 10.1002/pd.6523. Epub 2024 Jan 19.

Abstract

Objectives: To identify predictors of outcomes in severe twin oligo-polyhydramnios sequence (TOPS) with or without twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) and/or selective fetal growth restriction (SFGR) treated by laser ablation of placental vessels (LAPV).

Methods: Analysis of cases treated from 2011 to 2022. Variables evaluated Prenatal predictors: stages of TOPS, presence of TAPS and/or SFGR; pre-LAPV fetal ultrasound parameters; peri-LAPV variables. Perinatal predictors: GA at birth; birthweight; Apgar scores; transfontanellar ultrasonography (TFUS).

Outcome variables: fetal death, neonatal survival, infant's neurodevelopment. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to detect predictors of outcomes.

Results: 265 cases were included. Predictors of post-LAPV donor fetus' death were delta EFW (p:0.045) and absent/reverse end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery (AREDF-UA) (p < 0.001). The predictor of post-LAPV recipient fetus' death was hydrops (p:0.009). Predictors of neonatal survival were GA at birth and Apgar scores. Predictors of infant's neurodevelopment were TFUS and pre-LAPV middle cerebral artery Doppler (MCAD) for the donor twin; and pre-LAPV ductus venosus' flow and MCAD for the recipient twin.

Conclusions: Prediction of fetal death, neonatal survival and infant's neurodevelopment is possible in cases of TOPS associated or not with SFGR and/or TAPS that were treated by LAPV.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fetal Death / etiology
  • Fetal Growth Retardation
  • Fetofetal Transfusion* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetofetal Transfusion* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Laser Therapy*
  • Perinatal Death*
  • Placenta / blood supply
  • Placenta / diagnostic imaging
  • Placenta / surgery
  • Polyhydramnios*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Twin
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Twins, Monozygotic
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal