Monochorionic Multiple Pregnancies Research Articles

Innovative study of the fetal heart in monochorionic multiple births

Introduction. Fetal echocardiography is currently one of the main methods of prenatal diagnosis. However, in recent years, attention has shifted towards the use of ultrasound to assess fetal myocardial function.The aim of this study is compare global longitudinal deformation of the myocardium of the left (LV) and right ventricles (RV) of the heart in fetuses with uncomplicated singleton pregnancy, in fetuses from monochorionic twins with transfusion syndrome, selective growth retardation and in uncomplicated monochorionic multiple pregnancy.Material and methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted which included 60 pregnant patients: Group I — patients with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy (n=25); Group II — 35 patients with monochorionic diamniotic twins, whose pregnancy in 10 cases was complicated by feto-fetal transfusion syndrome (stages I-III according to Quintero R.A.), in 10 cases — selective growth retardation of the second fetus and in 15 cases monochorionic twins without complications. The following parameters were determined: global longitudinal deformation (GLD) of the myocardium of the ventricles of fetal hearts using the speckle tracking method of ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes of the ventricles of the heart.Results. Significant differences were established in GLD of RV and LV between singleton and monochorionic multiple pregnancies (LV: -21.2 ± 2.03 versus -23.41 ± 0 .25, p = 0.003); RV: — 20.3 ± 2.5 versus -23.3 ± 2.5, p = 0.013). Significant differences were revealed in GLD of the LV and RV in recipient fetuses before and after laser coagulation of placental anastomoses (LPCA) [LV in recipients before LCPA (- 20.4 ± 2.98) versus LV recipient after LCPA (-24.2 ± 3.3), p = 0.018], [RV in recipients before LKPA (- 20.4 ± 2.8) vs. RV in recipients after laser coagulation of placental anastomoses (-23.7 ± 3.4, p = 0.012].Conclusion. Assessment of the cardiac function of fetuses from monochorionic twins using the echocardiographic speckle tracking technique makes it possible to identify early changes in fetal myocardial function in twins from monochorionic diamniotic twins, as well as to carry out reliable testing monitoring changes in cardiac function over time.

New radiofrequency ablation procedure for selective reduction in complicated monochorionic twin or triplet pregnancy using multistep, incremental expansion technique.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the preferred approach for selective reduction in complex monochorionic (MC) multiple pregnancies owing to the ease of operation and minimal invasiveness. To optimize the RFA technique and reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome resulting from the heat-sink effect of RFA therapy, we used an innovative RFA method, in which an electrode needle was expanded incrementally and stepwise. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety profile of this novel multistep incremental expansion RFA method for selective fetal reduction in MC twin and triplet pregnancies. This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of all MC multiple pregnancies undergoing RFA between March 2016 and October 2022 at our center. The multistep RFA technique involved the use of an expandable needle, which was gradually expanded during the RFA procedure until cessation of umbilical cord blood flow was achieved. The needle used for the single-step RFA method was fully extended from the start of treatment. In total, 132 MC multiple pregnancies underwent selective reduction using RFA, including 50 cases undergoing multistep RFA and 82 cases undergoing single-step RFA. The overall survival rates were not significantly different between the multistep and single-step RFA groups (81.1% vs 72.3%; P = 0.234). Similarly, the rates of preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes within 2 weeks after RFA, procedure-related complications, spontaneous preterm delivery and pathological findings on cranial ultrasound, as well as gestational age at delivery and birth weight, did not differ between the two groups. However, there was a trend towards a prolonged procedure-to-delivery interval following multistep RFA compared with single-step RFA (median, 109 vs 99 days; P = 0.377). Moreover, the fetal loss rate within 2 weeks after RFA in the multistep RFA group was significantly lower than that in the single-step RFA group (10.0% vs 24.4%; P = 0.041). The median ablation time was shorter (5.3 vs 7.8 min; P < 0.001) and the median ablation energy was lower (10.2 vs 18.0 kJ; P < 0.001) in multistep compared with single-step RFA. There were no significant differences in neonatal outcomes following multistep vs single-step RFA. Overall survival rates were similar between the two RFA methods. However, the multistep RFA technique was associated with a lower risk of fetal loss within 2 weeks after RFA. The multistep RFA technique required significantly less ablation energy and a shorter ablation time compared with single-step RFA in selective fetal reduction of MC twin and triplet pregnancies. Additionally, there was a trend towards a prolonged procedure-to-delivery interval with the multistep RFA technique. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and echocardiography findings in twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence.

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare complication of monochorionic multiple gestation pregnancies, in which the pump twin provides hemodynamic support to a nonviable co-twin (acardius). Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to detect pump twin abnormalities, particularly brain ischemia, prior to fetal intervention to interrupt umbilical blood flow to the acardius. To summarize the imaging findings of TRAP sequence pregnancies in a large series. A single-center retrospective review was performed of all TRAP sequence pregnancies referred for fetal MRI (2004-2021). Fetal MRI, ultrasound, and echocardiography data were collected. Eighty-eight TRAP sequence pregnancies with MRI were included (mean gestational age, 19.8±2.8 weeks). Demise of the pump twin was noted in two pregnancies at the time of MRI. By MRI, 12% (10/86) of live pump twins had abnormalities, including 3% (3/86) with brain abnormalities and 9% (8/86) with extra-cranial abnormalities. By echocardiography, 7% (6/86) of pump twins had structural cardiac abnormalities. Three acardius morphological subtypes were identified by MRI: acephalus (55%, 48/88), anceps (39%, 34/88), and amorphous (7%, 6/88). The mean ultrasound acardiustopump twin ratioA/Pratio, calculated for each twin pair as the ratio of the acardius trunk (and head, if present) plus limb volume to the pump twin estimated fetal weight) differed among the three acardius subtypes (P=.03). The mean A/P ratio moderately correlated with pump twin cardiothoracic ratio and combined cardiac output (Pearson's r=0.45 and 0.48, respectively, both P<.001). Fetal MRI of TRAP sequence pregnancies found anomalies in a substantial number of pump twins. The three acardius subtypes differed in A/P ratio, which moderately correlated with the pump twin cardiothoracic ratio and combined cardiac output.

Aplasia cutis congenita as a complication of early interstitial laser embryo reduction in a case of monochorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancy ‒ a case report

Abstract Objectives Monochorionic multiple pregnancies are being increasingly encountered. Early embryo reduction by interstitial laser is an option of therapeutic intervention. The patient counseling is mainly focused on miscarriage and fetal demise but this case report highlights that the counseling also needs to mention the possibility of developing Aplasia cutis congenita post intervention and that interstitial laser though technically feasible can have rare complications. Case presentation This was a uncommon form of twinning diagnosed as monochorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancy where the parents wanted to continue with a single fetus. Interstitial laser was performed in two of the embryos, which became papyraceous. The newborn on delivery was seen to have extensive skin scarring on the trunk which was diagnosed as Aplasia cutis congenita. Conclusions Awareness on complications on early interstitial laser procedures beyond miscarriage and fetal demise and the psychological impact on the parents of seeing the scarred neonate for the first time, if they have not been made aware of this complication.

Prenatal Risk Factors and Outcomes of Pseudoamniotic Band Sequence following Fetoscopic Laser Surgery: Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis

Background: Pseudoamniotic band sequence (PABS) is a rare iatrogenic consequence of invasive fetal interventions, most commonly fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) in monochorionic multiple pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate prenatal risk factors and perinatal outcomes for pregnancies involving PABS after FLS for TTTS and compare outcomes between those undergoing fetoscopic band release versus not. Method: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on studies reporting PABS following FLS for TTTS. A meta-analysis of pooled proportions was conducted. Results: There were 16 studies covering 47 pregnancies complicated by PABS following FLS, mostly case series and case reports. The incidence of PABS was 2%, with the recipient twin affected in 94% of the cases. Pregnancies complicated by PABS were associated with inter-twin septostomy in 32% and chorioamniotic separation (CAS) in 90%. The mean gestational age (GA) at FLS and delivery were 17.7 and 30.9 weeks, respectively. Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) happened in 62% of pregnancies. The risk of preterm birth (PTB) <34 weeks, <32 weeks, and <28 weeks were 94%, 67%, and 31%, respectively. There were 41% fetal demises and 64% live births among the affected fetuses. Results of fetoscopic band release versus not were comparable, including GA at delivery, PPROM, and PTB at 32 weeks. It was noted that the likelihood of PTB by 28 weeks (67% vs. 23%) and fetal death (50% vs. 39%) were higher in the band release group. It was similar between groups in terms of postnatal amputation. Conclusions: PABS causes amputations or fetal death in more than one-third of cases. Pregnancies with an inter-twin septostomy, CAS, advanced TTTS staging, and early GA are more likely to experience PABS. In addition, more than a third of FLS-treated TTTS resulted in PTB and PPROM. PABS cases with prenatal band release showed higher rates of PTB and fetal death, but the data were from small, heterogeneous studies.

Fetal Outcomes and Prognostic Factors After Radiofrequency Ablation for the Selective Reduction in Complicated Monochorionic Multiple Pregnancies

Monochorionic pregnancies are responsible for some severe complications, and selective reduction of a single fetus can improve pregnancy outcomes. This study evaluated the fetal outcomes and procedure-related prognostic factors after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in complicated monochorionic multiple pregnancies. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in an academic center from June 2020 to January 2022. The participants were 70 women with monochorionic multiple pregnancies who were candidates for selective fetal reduction by RFA. All participants' demographic data, RFA-related information, and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated and reported. The RFA procedure was successful in all participants. The most frequent RFA indications were twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome following selective intrauterine growth restriction. The mean gestational age at birth was 33.60±5.62 weeks. Also, 11 (15.7%) of the cases had preterm delivery up to 30 days after RFA. The total pregnancy loss rate was 12 (17.14%), and the total fetal survival rate after RFA was 82.85%. The mean time of the RFA procedure was 130.8±83.3seconds.The procedure was conducted easily in 31 (44.2%) cases. Althoughthe meantime of RFA procedure was longer in the not-easy group, the difference in surgery time was not significant (P=.296). There was no significant relationship (P=.623) between RFA indications and the gestational age of the remained fetus at delivery. The RFA needle was passed through the placenta in 18 (25.7%) cases. The mean gestational age at the delivery time was significantly lower in this group compared to their counterparts' gestational ages without needle placental passage (P=.030). Also, there was no significant correlation between gestational age at pregnancy termination and RFA cycles (P=.219). RFA is a relatively safe and minimally invasive procedure for the selective reduction of complicated monochorionic fetuses. Althoughmortality, premature membrane rupture, and preterm delivery are the potential risk factors for the remaining co-twin. According to this study, gestational age at the time of the procedure and passing the needle through the placenta can affect the outcome. Other procedure-related factors like easy- or hard-access procedures, and the number of RFA cycles are not significantly associated with gestational age at birth.

A case of observing cardiac twins

Introduction. Reverse twin arterial perfusions, also known as cardiac malformation, is a uniquely rare complication of monochorionic multiple pregnancy due to the presence of a large arterio-arterial anastomosis, the formation of a rudimentary heart or its absence in one of the fetuses. The heart of a morphologically normal twin (fetus-pump, fetus-donor) provides blood circulation for both fetuses.The aim of the work was to determine a possible way to reduce perinatal mortality using the clinical example of monochorionic multiple pregnancy with the presence of cardiac twins.Materials and methods. Materials for clinical case analysis were the exchangenotification card of the pregnant and parenting woman, labor history, the results of functional and laboratory tests. Methods: analysis of anamnesis, results of functional and laboratory tests, peculiarities of pregnancy and delivery.Results. The analysis successfully demonstrates the possibility of improving perinatal outcomes in monochorionic twins complicated by the presence of acardia syndrome in the case of timely diagnosis of the complication, close dynamic monitoring of pregnancy and timely delivery in the case of functionally confirmed deterioration of the living fetus.Discussion. Monochorial type of placentation is recognized as a high risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes (fetal-fetal hemotransfusion syndrome, the formation of discordant growth andfetal growth retardation, cardiac twins, increase frequency of preterm birth, perinatal morbidity and death). The presence of cardiac twins is the highest risk factor for antenatal death of a second fetus in the absence of timely surgical treatment and delivery. The presented clinical case demonstrates the possibility of improving perinatal outcomes by prolonging a multiple pregnancy complicated by cardiac malformation up to 33 weeks of gestation and delivery at decompensation of the placental complex.Conclusion. In the vector of reducing the incidence of perinatal mortality, individual management of pregnant women with monochorionic multiple pregnancy is necessary to enable timely diagnosis of its complicated course by cardiac malformation of one of the fetuses, dynamic functional examination of the placental complex, determination of indications for surgical correction and choice of term of delivery.

Physical development of preterm monochorionic diamniotic twins at birth: retrospective cohort study

Background. Much controversy surrounds the estimation of anthropometric parameters in multiple newborns. In newborn monochorionic diamniotic twins, these parameters can be affected by specific antenatal complications.Objectives. To estimate the physical development parameters of preterm monochorionic diamniotic twins according to standards proposed within the INTERGROWTH-21st project, taking specific intrauterine complications into account.Methods. The anthropometric data were analyzed in 148 pairs of newborn monochorionic diamniotic twins, who were divided into three groups according to the presence of specific intrauterine complications: Group I (n = 56 pairs) — twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS); Group II (n = 38 pairs) — selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR); Group III (n = 58 pairs) — absence of the above-mentioned specific complications. The obtained data were statistically processed on a personal computer via variation statistics methods using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets (Microsoft, USA) and an online service available at https://medstatistic.ru.Results. Newborns with sIUGR (37–100.0%) and 26 (49.1%) donors fell into the category of newborns light for gestational age. Disharmonious (3–10th percentile) and markedly disharmonious (below the 3rd percentile) physical development at birth was most commonly observed in newborns with sIUGR and, to a lesser extent, in donors (OR — 9.2; 95% CI — 3.2–24.3; p &lt; 0.05), which was noted only occasionally in monochorionic twins from other groups. A combined decrease in the values of birth centiles for head circumference, body weight, and body length was found in 13 (35.1%) newborns with sIUGR and in 12 (22.6%) donors, which may mark the severity of antenatal complications and the development of neurological deficit.Conclusion. Monochorionic diamniotic twins include newborns having greater and lower body weights. In the newborn having a lower birth weight, specific complications associated with monochorionic multiple pregnancy result in body weight and length deficit, disharmonious development due to the lack of nourishment (22.6% in the TTTS group and 73.0% in the sIUGR group), as well as delayed head circumference growth in 56.8% of newborns with sIUGR.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a unique disease and a serious complication occurring in 10–15% of monochorionic multiple pregnancies with various placental complications, including hypoxia, anemia, increased oxidative stress, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, seals the placental vascular anastomoses between twins and dramatically improves the survival rates in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. However, fetal demise still occurs, suggesting the presence of causes other than placental vascular anastomoses. Placental insufficiency is considered as the main cause of fetal demise in such cases; however, little is known about its underlying molecular mechanisms. Indeed, the further association of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome placenta with several molecules and pathways, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and the renin–angiotensin system, makes it difficult to understand the underlying pathological conditions. Currently, there are no effective strategies focusing on these mechanisms in clinical practice. Certain types of cell death due to oxidative stress might be occurring in the placenta, and elucidation of the molecular mechanism underlying this cell death can help manage and prevent it. This review reports on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome for effective management and prevention of fetal demise after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation.

Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence: Prenatal Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract Twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence, a severe and unique complication of monochorionic multiple pregnancy, is characterized by vascular anastomosis and abnormal or absent cardiac development in the twins. This article reviewed its pathogenesis, prenatal ultrasound diagnosis, and management. The pump twin’s chances for survival can be maximized by proper management. The optimal timing of the interventions remains a debate, although the latest studies encourage early intervention, i.e., in the first trimester. The most preferred approach is to interrupt the vascular supply to the acardius, such as through ultrasound-guided laser coagulation and radiofrequency ablation of the intrafetal vessels.

Application and Influencing Factors of Radiofrequency Ablation in Monochorionic Pregnancy

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the pregnancy outcomes and possible influencing factors concerning complicated monochorionic (MC) multiple pregnancies undergoing selective fetal reduction using radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods This retrospective cohort study included 54 women with complicated MC multiple pregnancy who underwent selective fetal reduction using RFA at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from January 2015 to March 2020. According to the indications for RFA, the 54 women were divided into three groups: complex complications (n = 30), structural anomalies (n = 18), and triplet pregnancy (n = 6). According to the gestational age for RFA, all patients were divided into three groups: 16–19+6 weeks (n = 17), 20–23+6 weeks (n = 17), and 24–26+6 weeks (n = 20). We analyzed the pregnancy outcomes (including the overall survival rate (OSR), gestational age at delivery, birth weight of newborns) and postoperative complications such as miscarriage, and intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) according to the indications and gestational age of reduction by using suitable statistical testing. Results The OSR was 83.3% (45/54). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of gestation at the time of reduction was 21.6 ± 3.2 weeks. The GA at delivery was 34.0(32.0,37.5) weeks. The mean ± SD of newborns’ birth weight was 2118 ± 685 g. The overall rates of miscarriage, PROM, and IUFD were 9.3% (5/54), 7.4% (4/54), and 7.4% (4/54), respectively. According to the indications for reduction, the OSR for complex complications, structural anomalies, and triplet pregnancy groups were 83.3% (25/30), 83.3% (15/18), and 83.3% (5/6), respectively. Statistically significant differences were only found in the mean birth weight among the three groups (P &lt; 0.05). No significant difference was found in the rate of miscarriage, and mean gestation at delivery among the three groups (P &gt; 0.05). In the group with complex complications, the OSR of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, selective intrauterine growth restriction, twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence, and twin anemia polycythemia sequence were 66.7% (6/9), 93.3% (14/15), 80.0% (4/5), and 100.0% (1/1), respectively, with no significant difference among these groups (P &gt; 0.05). According to the gestational age of reduction, the OSRs among the three groups were 82.4% (14/17), 76.5% (13/17), and 90.0% (18/20), respectively, and the rate of miscarriage, IUFD, and mean gestation age at delivery among these groups showed no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion Selective fetal reduction by RFA is an important treatment method for complicated MC multiple pregnancy, although it may lead to complications like miscarriage, and IUFD. The indication of reduction seems to affect the pregnancy outcome. An optimal treatment plan should be selected according to the patient’s conditions in clinical practice.

Quantitative ultrasound assessment of bone tissue in premature newborn twins

Multiple pregnancy is associated with a high risk premature newborn twins (PNT) birth and the formation of low bone mass. Determining the state of bone tissue (BT) after birth is important for understanding the dynamics of its changes in the PNTs’ growth. Aim: to conduct and analyze the results of quantitative ultrasound assessment of BT in PNT. Materials and methods. In the early neonatal age, 24 pairs of twins and 39 children from singleton pregnancies (SP) born at gestational age (GA) of 30–36 weeks were examined. Pair of twins with a difference in body weight of 5% or more were involved. BT status was determined with an ultrasonic densitometer “Sunlight Omnisense 9000”, measuring SOS, m/s. Results. In GA up to 34 weeks SOS of BT in both twins did not differ from each other or from newborns from SP of the corresponding GA. In PNT, from 34 weeks of gestation and more, SOS increased (P &lt; 0.05) in siblings with lower body weight compared to bigger one – 2925 (2887; 3036) m/s and 2866 (2801; 2895) m/s, respectively. According to correlations, the body weight of PNT was not determined as a significant factor influencing the state of BT. SOS in PNT had a weak positive correlation (R = 0.29, P &lt; 0.05) with their GA in contrast to the strong direct correlation (R = 0.78, P &lt; 0.05) in newborns from SP. Among the factors influencing the state of BT according to SOS in PNT, the inverse correlations with the factor of increasing the number of pregnancies (R = -0.59, P &lt; 0.05) and with birth from monochorionic multiple pregnancies (R = -0.57, P &lt; 0.05) were determined. Conclusions. SOS in children born in GA of 34 weeks and older was 2925 (2887; 3036) m/s in PNT with lower body weight in pairs. This value was higher (P &lt; 0.05) than in bigger siblings and PNT born in GA less than 34 weeks. SOS in PNT had a weak correlation (P &lt; 0.05) with their GA in contrast to children born in the same GA from SP and had no correlation with the body weight of twins. The average correlation (P &lt; 0.05) between low SOS in PNT and the number of previous pregnancies, as well as with birth from monochorionic multiple pregnancies.

Success Rate and Perinatal Outcomes of Selective Reduction by Radiofrequency Ablation in Monochorionic Multiple Pregnancies with a Hydropic Fetus; A Prospective Interventional Single-Arm Study.

Selective reduction of the fetus is one of the therapeutic methods in complicated monochorionic twins. The present study aimed to investigate the success rate and perinatal outcomes of selective reduction using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in monochorionic multiple pregnancies with a hydropic fetus. This prospective interventional single-arm study was conducted in a referral hospital from 2017 to 2019. Totally, 27 complicated monochorionic twin and triplet pregnancies underwent RFA to occlude the umbilical vein of the hydropic fetus. The participants were followed until 2 months post-delivery. Procedure success rate, survival rate, gestational age at delivery, and neonatal outcome were evaluated. The umbilical cord in 26 (96.2%) cases was successfully occluded by RFA with no maternal complications. Live birth was within 75%. The mean±SD age at delivery was 34.4±3.83 weeks. The gestational age at delivery in TTTS (twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome)-induced hydrops was significantly lower than the non-TTTS hydrops group (P=0.003). Four cases experienced preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) before 34 weeks. Of all viable neonates, 8 cases were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In 2 months follow-up post-delivery, all neonates had normal findings without any adverse outcomes. Selective reduction by RFA in complicated monochorionic pregnancies with a hydropic fetus may be a safe method with a high success rate and 100% neonatal survival. This method may be optimal for feticide in non-TTTS hydropic twins.

Selective termination of the fetus in multiple pregnancies using ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation

BackgroundTo evaluate the perinatal outcomes in women with selective termination using ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA).MethodsComplicated monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies and multiple pregnancies with an indication for selective termination by ultrasound-guided coagulation of the umbilical cord with RFA under local anesthesia between July 2013 and Jan 2020 were reviewed. We analyzed the indications, gestational age at the time of the procedure, cycles of RFA, duration of the procedure, and perinatal outcome.ResultsThree hundred and thirteen patients were treated during this period. Seven of whom were lost of follow-up. The remaining 306 cases, including 266 pairs of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins (86.93%), two pairs of monoamniotic twins (0.65%), 30 dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) triplets (1%), and three monochorionic triamniotic (MCTA) triplets (0.98%), were analyzed. Indications included twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) (n = 91), selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) (n = 83), severe discordant structural malformation (n = 78), multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) (n = 78), twin reverse arterial perfusion sequence (TRAPS) (n = 19), and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) (n = 3). Upon comparison of RFA performed before and after 20 weeks, the co-twin loss rate (20.9% vs. 21.5%), the incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) within 24 h (1.5% vs. 1.2%), and the median gestational age at delivery [35.93 (28–38) weeks vs. 36 (28.54–38.14) weeks] were similar (p > 0.05).ConclusionsRFA is a reasonable option when indicated in multiple pregnancies and complicated monochorionic pregnancies. In our experience, the overall survival rate was 78.76% with RFA in selective feticide, and early treatment increases the likelihood of survival for the remaining fetus because the fetal loss rate is similar before and after 20 weeks.

Call to action: long‐term neurodevelopment in monochorionic twins

Call to action: long‐term neurodevelopment in monochorionic twins

A cohort study of the perinatal outcome of radiofrequency ablation in complicated monochorionic multiple pregnancies based on a different needle insert angle.

ObjectiveTo compare the pregnancy outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for complicated multiple pregnancies between fetal abdominal and dorsal needle insertion angles.MethodsWe performed a historical cohort study of patients who underwent selective reduction using RFA through different needle insertion angles from 2015 to 2018 at a local hospital. Dorsal needle insertion cases were consecutively selected and abdominal needle insertion cases were selectively enrolled. The Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to identify predictors of fetal survival time with different needle insertion angles.ResultsThe RFA procedure was performed in 28 women through an abdominal insertion angle and in 28 women through a dorsal insertion angle. There were no significant differences in perinatal outcomes between the two groups. The overall live birth rate after RFA in the two groups was 73.5% and the mean gestation was 31.6 ± 6.5 weeks. The Cox model showed that gestational age at RFA was a predictor of the duration of the period between RFA and delivery.ConclusionRFA conducted through the dorsal insertion angle is technically feasible for selective reduction in complex monochorionic multiple pregnancies. Gestational age at this procedure is an independent risk factor for the duration of pregnancy post-RFA.

Perinatal Outcomes following Radiofrequency Ablation in Complicated Monochorionic Multiple Pregnancies

Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is considered as an optional treatment method in complicated monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies. The purpose of this study is to investigate the main factors of fetal death after such treatment procedure. The study also compares the perinatal outcomes among various groups of indication and gestational age (GA) at procedure. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study considers 195 cases of MC multiple pregnancies including one twin with twin-twin transfusion syndrome, selective intrauterine growth restriction ,sever anomaly and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence(TRAP) which underwent selected reduction using RFA from 2016 to 2018 at Yas Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The GA at RFA categorized as 16- 19+6 wks., 20-23+6 wks., and 24-28 wks. The analysis of risk factors of fetal death after RFA is based on multivariable logistic regression model. Results: The result of analysis reveals that the rate of co-twin anemia after RFA in anomaly indication was higher than the other indications significantly (p=0.038) while according to GA categories, it is significantly lower in 20-23+6 weeks. (p=0.016). Three independent significant factors contributing in fetal death after RFA were co-twin anemia after RFA, TRAP and anomaly indications of RFA and GA at RFA, respectively. Conclusion The co-twin anemia after RFA was found the most contributing factor of fetal death. As the results showed that the rate of co-twin anemia after RFA is significantly low in 20-23+6 weeks of GA, such GA is suggested for RFA procedure to reduce the fetal death.

İkizden İkize Transfüzyon Sendromundan Etkilenmiş Yenidoğanların Erken Dönem Sonuçları

AmaçMonokoryonik çoğul gebeliklerde gelişen ve hayatı tehdit eden ciddi komplikasyonlara yol açabilen ikizden ikize transfüzyon sendromu (İİTS)’ndan etkilenmiş infantların yenidoğan dönemi sonuçlarının değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. YöntemlerKliniğimizde Ocak 2013- Aralık 2017 tarihleri arasında izlenen İİTS tanılı olguların demografik ve klinik verileri geriye dönük değerlendirildi. BulgularBelirlenen sürede İİTS gelişen 18 ikiz gebelikten 31 bebeğin canlı olarak doğurtulduğu görüldü. Dört ikiz eşi intrauterin dönemde kaybedilmişti. Dört gebeye lazer fotokoagulasyon uygulanmış ve bu gebeliklerden ikisinde verici ikiz intrauterin dönemde kaybedilmişti. Olguların 17’si alıcı, 14’ü verici ikizdi. Olguların doğum tartıları 1346±654 gram, gebelik haftaları 30,1±3,7 hafta idi. İki olguda hidrops fetalis saptandı. Verici ikizlerin hemoglobin ve hematokrit değerleri alıcı ikizlere göre anlamlı olarak daha düşük; ölüm oranları ise anlamlı olarak daha yüksek saptandı (sırasıyla p=0,0001; 0,0001; 0,018). İki olguya anemi, altı olguya polisitemi nedeni ile kan değişimi yapıldı. Alıcı ve verici ikizler arasında doğum tartıları, respiratuvar distres sendromu, patent duktus arteriosus, bronkopulmoner displazi, prematürite retinopatisi ve nekrotizan enterokolit gelişimi; solunum desteği ve inotrop ihtiyacı açısından anlamlı fark saptanmadı. Alıcı olguların üçünde kardiak hipertrofi saptandı. Bir alıcı ve üç verici olguda böbrek yetmezliği gelişti. Verici olguların dördü, alıcı olguların biri kaybedildi. Yirmi bir olgu şifa ile taburcu edildi.Sonuç İkiz gebeliklerin yakın takibi, erken doğumun önlenmesi ve İİTS tanılı bebeklerin karşılaşacağı İİTS’ye özgü sorunların farkında olunması bu bebekler için hayati önem taşımaktadır.

Magnetic resonance imaging changes of brain injured survivors of multiple pregnancy complicated by single intrauterine fetal demise

Background. Multiple pregnancy has increased risks for complications. The incidence of fetal anomalies in multiple pregnancies is also significantly higher than in single pregnancies. The syndrome of death of one fetus in multiple pregnancies is often combined with an increase in perinatal morbidity and mortality of second fetuses. Objective. To investigate and categorize the range of the surviving fetal brain damage by prenatal magnetic resonance imaging in case of single intrauterine fetal death of monochorionic twin. Design and methods. Seventeen patients with a monochorionic multiple pregnancy which complicated by single intrauterine fetal demise were included in retrospective study. All cotwins underwent ultrasound neurosonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Results. The were no structural pathological changes in 8 cases (47,1 %), while 4 (23,5 %) had only isolated moderate ventriculomegaly. In 5 cases (29,4 %) surviving fetuses from monochorionic diam-niotic twins had structural and morphological brain abnormalities. Conclusion. Brain injuries of the surviving co-twin after single intrauterine fetal demise in monochorionic pregnancy are mostly ischemic and manifest as periventricular leukomalacia in combination with ventriculomegaly.

Перинатальные исходы монохориальной многоплодной беременности, осложненной фето-фетальным трансфузионным синдромом

Перинатальные исходы монохориальной многоплодной беременности, осложненной фето-фетальным трансфузионным синдромом