Open AccessControlled amnioreduction for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
Author(s) -
Zoya Gordon,
Aviva FattalValevski,
David Elad,
Ariel J. Jaffa
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
therapeutic advances in reproductive health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2633-4941
DOI - 10.1177/26334941221080727
Subject(s) - medicine , amniotic fluid , umbilical artery , obstetrics , gestation , fetus , pregnancy , biology , genetics
Background: Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a severe condition causing preterm delivery, fetal death, and neurodevelopmental disorders. This study presents a data-based controlled amnioreduction (AR) protocol composed of sequential amniodrainage in treatment of TTTS.Methods: A total of 18 procedures were performed in 11 TTTS pregnancies at 17 to 34 weeks of gestation. The amniotic pressure was measured along with sequential removal of the amniotic fluid, 500 mL each step. The umbilical artery systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio for each twin was measured pre- and post-AR. Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of all TTTS survivors were evaluated from parental answers to a phone survey.Results: The amniotic pressure decreased exponentially with the increased volume of removed amniotic fluid until a plateau was obtained. Changes of the S/D ratio between pre- and post-AR procedure did not reveal a clear tendency. The survival rate was 86.4% although 91% of all twins were at Quintero stage III. Long-term neurodevelopment outcomes in the 19 surviving twins were 68.4% optimal, 26.3% suboptimal, and 5.3% abnormal.Conclusion: The controlled AR procedure resulted in a relatively high rate of twin survival with favorable long-term neurodevelopment outcomes.