Assessment of fetal cardiac function before and after therapy for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Abstract

We sought to assess fetal cardiac function in monochorionic twins before and after therapy for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and compare it with control subjects. We conducted prospective longitudinal assessment of fetal cardiac function in cases undergoing curative fetal therapy for TTTS (n = 39) until 4 weeks postoperatively and in uncomplicated monochorionic twins (n = 23). Fetal cardiac function was assessed by the left and right ventricular myocardial performance index, atrioventricular valve flow pattern, ductus venosus a-wave, and umbilical vein pulsations. Nomograms for the myocardial performance index were constructed. Fetal cardiac function was grossly abnormal in recipient twins of TTTS when compared with control subjects (P < .001 for all indices) but normalized by 4 weeks postoperatively. The donor developed abnormal ductus venosus flow and tricuspid regurgitation postoperatively that regressed within 4 weeks. The cardiac dysfunction in the recipient twin of TTTS normalizes within 1 month after laser. The donor develops a transient impairment of cardiac function postoperatively.