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This article reported a survived case of amniotic band syndrome (ABS) following fetal reduction by radiofrequency ablation. The woman conceived monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy spontaneously. Prenatal ultrasound at 24 weeks of gestation indicated twin-twin transfusion syndrome (stage Ⅲ), and radiofrequency ablation for fetal reduction was successfully performed after formal consent. At 28 +6 weeks, ultrasound reexamination revealed significant edema in the left foot of the fetus, with banding around the ankle, as well as the strangulation mark and narrowing rings. Fetal ABS (ⅡB stage) was diagnosed after multidisciplinary consultation. An immediate emergency cesarean section was performed and a live male baby was born. A thin amniotic band could be seen wrapping around the left ankle of the newborn for several rounds, with obvious strangulation marks about 1 cm deep into the skin, and significant edema on the dorsum and sole of the foot, and the submalleolus area. The amniotic band was released at once, and the edema faded gradually after surgery. After a follow-up of 28 days, the lower limbs of the newborn became normal.
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Objective:To analyze the effects of selective feticide by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and the risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in twins complicated by selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) and evaluate the neurodevelopment in live births during a short-term follow-up.Methods:This study retrospectively enrolled 75 twins with sIUGR who underwent RFA for selective feticide and were delivered in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 1, 2017 and March 31, 2022. According to the gestational age at the procedure, they were divided into three groups including 16-19 +6 weeks of gestation (Group A, n=16), 20-23 +6 weeks of gestation (Group B, n=44) and ≥24 weeks of gestation (Group C, n=15). They were also grouped according to the presence or absence of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS): sIUGR with TTTS group ( n=36) and isolated sIUGR group ( n=39). The 39 cases in the isolated sIUGR group were further divided into three groups according to the Doppler flow in the smaller co-twin: type Ⅰ ( n=3), type Ⅱ ( n=27) and type Ⅲ ( n=9). According to pregnancy outcomes, the 75 cases were divided into adverse pregnancy outcome group ( n=49) and non-adverse pregnancy outcome group ( n=26). Statistical analysis was performed using two independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance and LSD test, nonparametric test and Nemenyi test, as well as Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test to compare the difference in clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes among groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Log-rank test were used to analyze the duration of pregnancy after the procedure. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results:(1) The gestational age at the time of procedure was (21.9±2.3) weeks (16.6-26.0 weeks) for all cases. The intertwin estimated fetal weight discordance (ΔEFW) was less and the duration of RFA was shorter in group A than in group B or C [(27.8±8.4)% vs (36.2±12.0)% and (39.8±15.5)%; 7 min (5-14 min) vs 10 min (5-16 min) and 12 min (8-18 min); LSD test or Nemenyi test, P<0.017]. The incidence of TTTS was higher in group A than in group B or C [12/16 vs 43% (19/44) and 5/15; Bonferroni correction, P<0.017]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of premature rupture of membrane, spontaneous abortion, fetal demise, premature delivery and gestational age at delivery between Group A, B and C (all P>0.05). (2) Compared with the isolated sIUGR group, the sIUGR with TTTS group showed less ΔEFW [(29.6±11.4)% vs (40.1±11.8)%, t=3.88, P<0.001], higher incidence of premature rupture of membrane [47% (17/36) vs 21% (8/39), χ2=6.01, P=0.014], lower rate of live births [69% (25/36) vs 95%(37/39), χ2=8.45, P=0.004] and earlier delivery [34.1 weeks (26.7-40.7 weeks) vs 38.0 weeks (29.3-40.0 weeks), Z=311.50, P=0.018]. (3) There was no significant difference in the incidence of premature rupture of membrane, live birth rate or 30-day survival rate among the sIUGR type Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ groups (all P>0.05). (4) sIUGR complicated by TTTS was a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes of the co-twin after the procedure ( OR=3.94, 95% CI: 1.40-11.10, P=0.010). (5) Thirteen co-twins presented with cardiac enlargement, myocardial hypertrophy or/and tricuspid regurgitation in routine ultrasound scans before the procedure and nine of them had TTTS. Among them, eight live births were followed up for one month to 4.5 years of age and no abnormality in cardiac function was reported. (6) There were overall 62 live births. Apart from two cases of neonatal death and four lost to follow-up, the other 56 cases were followed up to one month to 5 years of age and two premature infants showed gross motor retardation. Conclusions:The gestational age at RFA has no significant impact on pregnancy outcomes, while sIUGR complicated by TTTS may increase the risk of adverse outcomes after the procedure. After RFA, the overall survival rate of the co-twin in pregnancies with sIUGR is high and no severe neurodevelopmental abnormalities has been found during a short-term follow-up.
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Objective:To compare and analyze the pregnant women and perineonates outcomes of selective feticide at different gestational weeks in double chorionic twin pregnancies.Methods:The clinical data of 86 patients with double chorionic twin pregnancies who underwent selective feticide from January 2015 to June 2021 in the General Hospital of Northern War Zone were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to different gestational weeks of selective feticide: 23 cases at 14 +3 to 19 +6 gestational weeks (group A), 31 cases at 20 to 27 +6 gestational weeks (group B), 32 cases and at ≥28 gestational weeks (group C). The gestational weeks of delivery, abortion, preterm birth, full-term birth, liveborn infants, surviving infants, birth body mass of liveborn infants, birth body mass of surviving infants, complications in pregnant women, pregnant women and perineonates outcomes and neonatal prognosis were recorded. Results:There were no statistical differences in gestational weeks of delivery, incidence of complications in pregnant women, abortion rate and neonatal survival rate among three groups ( P>0.05); there were statistical differences in preterm birth rate, full-term birth rate, liveborn infants rate, birth body mass of liveborn infants and birth body mass of surviving infants among three groups ( P<0.05). The preterm birth rate in group A was significantly lower than that in group C: 21.7% (5/23) vs. 68.8% (22/32), the full-term birth rate was significantly higher than that in group C: 69.6% (16/23) vs. 28.1% (9/32); the birth body mass of liveborn infants and birth body mass of surviving infants in group A were significantly higher than those in group B and group C: (2 905.7 ± 580.9) g vs. (2 284.4 ± 416.7) and (2 293.8 ± 456.2) g, (2 905.7 ± 580.9) g vs. (2 457.1 ± 527.8) and (2 359.2 ± 482.4) g, the liveborn infants rate in group C was significantly higher than that in group B: 96.9% (31/32) vs. 77.4% (24/31), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The 72 surviving infants were followed up for 3 months to 4 years, and no motor dysfunction and neurological abnormalities occurred. Conclusions:Selective feticide in patients with double chorionic twin pregnancies before 20 weeks of gestation has less complications in pregnant women and good perineonates clinical outcome.
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Monochorionic triplet and dichorionic triplet pregnancies result in a higher risk of complications than trichorionic triplet due to its monochorionic part, and often lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. We discuss the impact of different fetal reduction numbers, object and surgical methods on the outcome of monochorionic triplet and dichorionic triplet pregnancies. Compared with expectant management, several common fetal reduction strategies can reduce the risk of premature birth, prolong gestational weeks, and increase fetal birth weight. Reduction of the fetus with a separate placenta does not avoid the complications of monochorionic twins, and reducing one of the monochorionic pairs might cause the death of the remaining fetus, thereby requiring skilled surgeons. So, reduction of the monochorionic pair was preferred. More study are needed to evaluate the reduction strategy of monochorionic triplet.
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Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for fetal reduction in monochorionic twin pregnancies at gestational age over 26 weeks. Methods A retrospective study was performed based on the clinical data of 51 patients who underwent fetal reduction by radiofrequency ablation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2013 to July 2018. Clinical data including basic information, surgical data (such as ablation duration, power and the number of cycles), perinatal complications and pregnancy outcomes were collected. Differences in pregnancy outcomes were compared between the group with gestational age >26 weeks (n=17, group A) and that ≤26 weeks (n=34, group B) using t-test, rank-sum test and Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results (1) The indications of fetal reduction were malformation in one of the twins, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence and selective intrauterine growth restriction [45.1% (23/51), 15.7% (8/51), 19.6% (10/51) and 19.6% (10/51)]. The differences in the proportion of different indications between group A and B were statistically significant [12/17, 1/17, 0/17, 4/17 vs 32.4% (11/34), 20.6% (7/34), 29.4% (10/34), 17.7% (6/34), P=0.009]. Those in the group A required longer operation duration than the group B [M(min-max), 20(7-40) vs 15(3-29) min, Z=2.550, P=0.011]. (2) The gestational age of the 51 patients was (23.7±4.7) weeks (15+1-32+6 weeks), the overall survival rate of the remaining fetuses was 86.3% (44/51) and the preterm birth rate was 50.0% (22/44). The gestational age at operation was (28.9±2.5) weeks (26+1-32+6 week) in group A and (21.1±3.1) weeks (15+1-25+2 weeks) in group B. The survival rate of the remaining fetuses and the preterm birth rate in group A were significantly higher than those in group B [17/17 vs 79.4% (27/34), P=0.046; 12/17 vs 37.0% (10/27), χ2=4.697, P=0.030]. Conclusions Fetal reduction at gestational age>26 weeks, of which the main surgical indication is malformation in one of the twins, may increase the risk of preterm birth, but can improve the overall survival rate of the remaining fetuses without increasing the maternal and infant morbidity. Therefore, radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective procedure for twin pregnancies >26 weeks of gestation.
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We reported a case of monochorionic monoamniotic twins discordant for anencephaly diagnosed by second-trimester ultrasonography at the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University.Ultrasound at seven weeks of gestation showed only one gestational sac with an embryo inside.Another 12 gestational weeks' ultrasound scan performed at another hospital found one gestational sac and one fetus (crown-rump length was 6.11 cm and nuchal translucency was 0.11 cm) in the upper-middle uterine cavity.The ultrasound examination at 22+6 gestational weeks identified one placenta and two fetuses without obvious diaphragm echo in between.Although no structural abnormality was observed in one fetus,frog-like eyes,absence of skull image and brain tissue echo were presented in the other fetus.The patient was transferred to a higher level hospital and was successfully performed radiofrequency ablation for selective reduction at 23+4 weeks of gestation.At 35 weeks,a premature live boy and an anencephalic stillbirth fetus were born vaginally after premature rupture of membranes.The baby boy was healthy at follow-up at four months old.
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Objective@#To investigate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for fetal reduction in monochorionic twin pregnancies at gestational age over 26 weeks.@*Methods@#A retrospective study was performed based on the clinical data of 51 patients who underwent fetal reduction by radiofrequency ablation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2013 to July 2018. Clinical data including basic information, surgical data (such as ablation duration, power and the number of cycles), perinatal complications and pregnancy outcomes were collected. Differences in pregnancy outcomes were compared between the group with gestational age >26 weeks (n=17, group A) and that ≤26 weeks (n=34, group B) using t-test, rank-sum test and Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test.@*Results@#(1) The indications of fetal reduction were malformation in one of the twins, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence and selective intrauterine growth restriction [45.1% (23/51), 15.7% (8/51), 19.6% (10/51) and 19.6% (10/51)]. The differences in the proportion of different indications between group A and B were statistically significant [12/17, 1/17, 0/17, 4/17 vs 32.4% (11/34), 20.6% (7/34), 29.4% (10/34), 17.7% (6/34), P=0.009]. Those in the group A required longer operation duration than the group B [M(min-max), 20(7-40) vs 15(3-29) min, Z=2.550, P=0.011]. (2) The gestational age of the 51 patients was (23.7±4.7) weeks (15+1-32+6 weeks), the overall survival rate of the remaining fetuses was 86.3% (44/51) and the preterm birth rate was 50.0% (22/44). The gestational age at operation was (28.9±2.5) weeks (26+1-32+6 week) in group A and (21.1±3.1) weeks (15+1-25+2 weeks) in group B. The survival rate of the remaining fetuses and the preterm birth rate in group A were significantly higher than those in group B [17/17 vs 79.4% (27/34), P=0.046; 12/17 vs 37.0% (10/27), χ2=4.697, P=0.030].@*Conclusions@#Fetal reduction at gestational age >26 weeks, of which the main surgical indication is malformation in one of the twins, may increase the risk of preterm birth, but can improve the overall survival rate of the remaining fetuses without increasing the maternal and infant morbidity. Therefore, radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective procedure for twin pregnancies >26 weeks of gestation.
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Objective@#To assess the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of multiple pregnancies.@*Methods@#In this retrospective study, 84 cases (total 174 fetuses) of complex monochorionic pregnancies treated with RFA for selective fetal reduction were analyzed. All cases were managed in the Guangdong Women and Children Hospital from January 2015 to January 2018. Indications for offering RFA, details of the procedure and pregnancy outcomes were collected and analyzed.@*Results@#(1)The rate of miscarriage and fetal intrauterine death was 21% (18/84), termination of pregnancy because of fetal malformation or oligohydramnion occurred in 10% (8/84) of cases. Total live birth rate was 69% (58/84) and the gestation age at delivery was (35.0±3.0) weeks. (2) The live birth rate of twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAPS) was the lowest (6/11), followed by twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS; 66%, 27/41), structural or genetic abnormalities of one fetus in monochorionic twin pregnancy (10/14), triplet pregnancy reduction (4/6) and selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) (11/12). (3) The live birth rate was 67% (20/30) in stage Ⅲ of TTTS and 7/11 in the stage Ⅳ of TTTS (P>0.05). The average gestational age was (33.6±3.0) weeks in stage Ⅲ of TTTS compared with (36.5±2.4) weeks in the stage Ⅳof TTTS (P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#RFA appears to be a reliable option for selective fetal reduction in monochorionic multiple pregnancies. The indication of RFA is an influencing factor on its pregnancy outcomes. Type Ⅱand type Ⅲ sIUGR may choose this technique as a priority. Compared with stage Ⅲ of TTTS, the live birth rate and the gestation age at delivery in stage Ⅳ of TTTS, there are no significant differences.
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Objective@#To investigate the safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for selective fetal reduction in complex multiple pregnancies and analyze factors affecting perinatal outcomes.@*Methods@#This was a retrospective case series of 156 patients undergoing selective fetal reduction by RFA in Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University from July 22th, 2011 to September 12th, 2018. They were divided into five groups according to surgical indications, including 46 cases in the monochorionic twins discordant for fetal anomalies group, 42 cases in the multiple pregnancies for reducing fetal numbers group, 40 cases in the twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) group, 24 cases in the selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) group and 4 cases in the twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAPS) group. According to the gestational age at surgery, patients were divided into two groups: the gestational age at surgery <20 weeks group (75 cases) and the gestational age at surgery≥20 weeks group (81 cases). According to the cycles of RFA required for surgery, patients were divided into two groups: one cycle group (124 cases) and ≥2 cycles group (32 cases). Basic information of patients, surgical process, postoperative complications and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The growth and development of survival newborns were also followed up. Factors affecting perinatal outcomes were analyzed.@*Results@#(1) The median gestational age at procedure of 156 patients was 20 weeks (14+5- 29+1 weeks). The median cycles of RFA was 1 cycle (1-3 cycles), of which one cycle accounted for 79.5% (124/156). (2) Eleven (7.1%, 11/156) patients experienced intrauterine fetal death, 27 (17.3%, 27/156) patients miscarried, and the overall survival rate was 75.6% (118/156). Premature birth rate before 34 weeks was 19.5% (23/118). There were 129 neonates. The median gestational age at delivery was 37+3 weeks (28+2- 41+1 weeks) with a mean birth weight of (2 657±700) g. (3) Analysis of pregnancy outcomes based on surgical indications found that, the gestational age at delivery [38 weeks (30+1-41+1 weeks), 36+4 weeks (29- 39 weeks), 36+4 weeks (28+2-39+5 weeks), 38 weeks (31-39+6 weeks), 38+3 weeks (30+4-38+4 weeks)] and neonatal birth weight [(2 820±671), (2 435±416), (2 497±843), (2 998±718), (2 517±1 087) g] were significantly different among fetal anomalies group, reducing fetal numbers group, TTTS group, sIUGR group and TRAPS group, respectively (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the pregnancy outcomes between gestational age at surgery <20 weeks group and gestational age at surgery ≥20 weeks group, or between one cycle group and ≥2 cycles group, respectively (all P>0.05).@*Conclusions@#RFA is a safe and effective procedure in treating complex monochorionic multiple pregnancies. Surgical indications would affect the gestational age at delivery and neonatal outcomes.
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The incidence of multiple pregnancies has increased significantly in recent years, which brought an adverse effect on pregnancy outcomes. Reducing fetuses of multiple pregnancies can improve the outcome of multiple births by reducing the number of fetuses in pregnancy and creating a better living environment for the remaining fetuses. Methods of multifetal pregnancy reduction and application of ultrasound during the operation were reviewed in this article.
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Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency fetal ablation (RFA) in the treatment of monozygotic triplet and quadruplet pregnancies. Methods We analyzed retrospectively the clinical data of eight gravidas, including seven monozygotic triplets and one monozygotic quadruplets admitted to the Department of Obstetrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University from March 2014 to January 2017. All of the eight women accepted ultrasound-guided selective fetal reduction by RFA to reduce to twins. Descriptive methods were used to analyze the perioperative status of the gravidas, maternal and fetal outcomes and neonatal follow-up. Results (1) In seven cases, the fetuses were deprived of blood flow after one heating cycle of radiofrequency ablation, while in the other, blood flow was stopped after two heating cycles. Heart beats of the reduced fetuses slowed down gradually after RFA, and stopped at 10, 20-25 and 40 minutes after operation in one, four and three cases, respectively. The conserved fetus showed normal heartbeats. (2) All patients accepted regular obstetrical examination after RFA. One was diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus at 26 weeks, and hospitalized for 4 d because of preterm labor at 30+6weeks. One women was hospitalized to receive a two-week tocolysis treatment one day after surgery, and diagnosed with severe preeclampsia at 35 weeks. One patient who had a fever six days after surgery and was hospitalized for antiinfection treatment progressed to inevitable abortion on the day of admission. The other five pregnant women had no abnormalities. (3) Except for one miscarriage, the rest seven cases all continued the pregnancy until delivery by cesarean, among which two with preterm premature rupture of membranes eventually delivered before term (35+1and 33 weeks), one with severe preeclampsia also preterm delivered (35+4weeks) and four term deliveries. Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes of all newborns were over 7. Three of the 14 newborns were hospitalized and recovered, including one pathological jaundice, one laryngeal stridor and one premature. The last follow-up in September 2018 of all 14 babies did not show any abnormalities. Conclusions RFA is a feasible treatment for monozygotic triplets and quadruplets.
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Objective To evaluate the feasibility,safety and short-term fetal outcome of ultrasoundguided percutaneous microwave ablation for selective feticide in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies.Methods Twenty-two patients who underwent microwave ablation for selective fetal reduction in Peking University Third Hospital between July 2015 and June 2016 were retrospectively studied.Surgical complications,fetal outcomes and neural development at age of 60 days were recorded.One-way ANOVA,Mann-Whitney U test,Chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis.Results Indications of the 22 patients for selective feticide included five cases of twin pregnancy with one anomalous fetus,five cases of severe twintwin transfusion syndrome (TTTS),three cases of twin reserved arterial perfusion (TRAP) and nine cases of selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR).All surgeries were successful under regional anesthesia.Four pregnancies (18.2％,4/22) ended in miscarriage following surgery,three of which were caused by intrauterine fetal death (13.6％,3/22) and one by premature rupture of membranes before 26 weeks of gestation (4.5％,1/22).Totally,18 babies were born alive at an average gestational age of (35.5 4.2) weeks (26～40 weeks+2) and with an average birth weight of (2 380.778) g (800～3 430 g),and four of them were preterm infants less than 32 weeks of gestation.Except for one extremely low birth weight infant,whose gestational age was 26 weeks at birth and birth weight was 800 g,died two days after birth,17 infants were discharged alive,giving an neonatal survival rate of 17/18.The total fetal survival rate was 77.3％ (17/22).Polyhydramnios,placenta location,and position of the fetus being aborted showed no significant effect on miscarriage or fetal survival rate (all P＞0.05).No severe maternal complications occurred.No brain injuries were detected by imaging examination in 17 infants who were followed up to 60 days of age.Conclusions Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation can be used for selective feticide in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies.Further studies are needed to evaluate its effects on long-term fetal outcome.
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Objective To compare the outcomes of selective feticide by umbilical cord ligation (UCL),bipolar cord coagulation (BCC) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of complicated monochorionic twins.Methods We retrospectively analyzed all cases of complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies treated at Peking University Third Hospital from August 2008 to December 2014.The indications for surgery included severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS),selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) (type Ⅱ and Ⅲ),twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAP) or discordant anomaly.One-way ANOVA,LSD t test,Mann-Whitney U test,Chi-square or Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis.Results (1) A total of 68 patients chose selective feticide by different techniques,including fetoscopic UCL (n=18,UCL group) and ultrasound-guided RFA (n=46,RFA group).The other four patients treated by bipolar cord coagulation (BCC) were excluded.The maternal age,proportion of assisted reproductive technology,indications,gestational age and mean birth weight all showed no differences between the two groups (P＞0.05).One case of anterior placenta was found in UCL group,fewer than in the RFA group (27 cases,36.9％)(x2=4.853).No fetal loss occurred within two weeks in UCL group,but there were seven cases (seven cases,15.2％) of earlier fetal loss in RFA group (x2=4.952).The median operation time was (63.2±22.5) min in UCL group,and longer than in the RFA group (33.3 ± 11.4) min (t=5.165),all P＜0.05.(2) The gestational age of TTTS and TRAP patients for feticide was older than patients with sIUGR and discordant anomaly [(22.7± 3.0),(22.8±3.2),(20.3 ± 2.5) and (20.4± 3.6) weeks,respectively,F=2.957,P=0.040].Fetal loss rate within two weeks in patients with discordant anomaly was higher than in other groups (4/11 vs 1/10,0/23 and 1/15,P＜0.05).The survival rate,gestational age at delivery and mean birth weight showed no significant differences among the four groups.(3)Compared with feticided fetuses at the upper uterine cavity,the fetal loss rate was higher,and the operation time,gestational age at delivery,birth weight and neonatal survival rate were lower than those performed at the lower uterine cavity,but the difference was not significant.Conclusions RFA provides similar outcomes of selective feticide in complicated monochorionic twins compared with UCL,while RFA is easier to operate.
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Objective To assess the effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and bipolar cord coagulation (BCC) on the prognosis and complication rate of complicated monochorionic twins.Methods A retrospective review was undertaken in 58 cases of complicated monochorionic twins treated with RFA or BCC at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat Sen University,from January 2008 to August 2013.Non-parametric Wilcoxon test,Chi-square test,Fisher exact test or multi-variant Logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis.Results Indications for selective termination in the 58 cases were:twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence in 12,severe twin to twin transfusion syndrome in 28,discordance of fetal anomalies in 10,selective intrauterine growth restriction in 7 and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence in 1.Forty-three cases were managed with BCC and 15 with RFA.Preterm labor was more common in the BCC group than in the RFA group [86.0％(37/43) vs 9/15,respectively; x2=4.598,P=0.032).Premature rupture of the membranes occurred in 48.8％(27/43) of the BCC group vs.4/15 of the RFA group (x2=2.229,P=0.135).The median procedure-todelivery time was 48 (1-150) days for the BCC group vs.101(14-138) days for the RFA group (Z=-2.245,P=0.025).Overall survival rate was 62.8％(27/43) in the BCC group vs 11/15 in the RFA group (x2=0.547,P=0.460),which was not significantly different.Neurodevelopmental delay was detected in two neonates in BCC group and in one neonate in RFA group.Logistic regression analysis showed that delivery before 28 gestational weeks was an independent risk factor for the poor prognosis of the co-twins (OR=192.720,95％CI:18.610-994.000,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Compared with BCC,RFA does not improve the prognosis of complicated monochorionic twins significantly.
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Objective To analysis the incidence and management of monozygotic twin (MZT) conceived by assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical pregnancies and MZT that resulted from ART was performed in Reproductive Medical Center,the First Affiliated Hospital,Wenzhou Medical University between January 2011 and January 2014. Results A total of 5 908 pregnancies were diagnosed: 2 012 twins, 157 high-order multiple pregnancy (HOMP), including 4 quadruplets. Overall, 51 MZT pregnancies were identified of them including 32 cases HOMP and 19 cases MZT. The incidence of MZT resulting from cleavage-stage embryo transfer was similar to blastocyst transfer (P=0.960). The percent of MZT resulting from in vitro fertilization [0.93% (28/3 022)], frozen-thawed embryo transfer [0.87% (13/1 502)] and intracytoplamic sperm injection [0.72% (10/1 384)] did not show statistical significance (P=0.794). The expectantly managed MZT was associated with a significantly greater likelihood of miscarriage [6/19 vs 5.11% (101/1 976)], and low birth weight infant [73.91% (17/23) vs 42.89% (1 453/3 388), P<0.01], when compared with dizygotic twin (DZT) did not undergo selective embryo reduction(SER). In monozygotic (MZ)-triplets with SER to 2 fetuses or to 1 fetus, there was no cases of preterm birth or low birth weight infant observed in MZ-triplets with SER to 1 fetus;when compared with MZ-triplets with SER to 2 fetuses, the low birth weight infant [56.00% (14/25), P=0.021] has statistical significance. The likelihood of the survival of two babies was lower in MZ-triplets with SER to 2 fetuses when compared with non-MZ triplets with SER to 2 fetuses [42.86%(9/21)vs 75.21%(91/121), P=0.003]. Conclusions The incidence of MZT pregnancies following ART is high. It plays a significant role in the occurrence of HOMP. MZT pregnancies are at an increased risk of adverse outcomes , it should transform to a single embryo thansfer (SET) program to reduce them incideuce. Reduction of MZT contained in multiple pregnancies appears to be a safe option.
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Objective To investigate and evaluate the pregnancy outcomes and fetal loss after fetal reduction of triplets to twins or singleton pregnancy. Methods 282 cases of triplets who received multi-fetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) at Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University were recruited from Sep 2001 to Mar 2014. According to the remaining fetal number after MFPR, 231 cases were opted to reduce to twins (twins group) while 51 cases were opted to singleton pregnancy (singleton group).The indication of the former group was fetal abnormalities under ultrasound or on patients′ demand; while the indication for the later group included dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) triplets or patients′ aspiration. Potassium chloride was injected into the targeted fetal heart until cardiac standstill was obtained. The pregnancy outcomes, gestational age at delivery, birth weight of newborns of the two groups were recorded. Successful pregnancy was defined as take-home at least one baby. Results (1)The overall rate of successful pregnancy was 91.5%(258/282).There were 413 neonates in the twins group, including 4 neonatal deaths and 409 live babies, with the successful rate of 90.5%(209/231). There were 49 neonates in the singleton group, including 2 cases of fetal loss. Thus the successful rate was 96.1%(49/51). There was no difference of successful pregnancy rate between the two groups(P>0.05).(2)The mean gestational age at operation for the twins group and singleton group were(16.5±3.5)weeks and (14.2±2.0) weeks, respectively. Each group was divided into three periods,11-13+6 weeks, 14-16+6 weeks and≥17 weeks.In the twins group, the cases in each time period were129(55.8%,129/231), 50(21.6%,50/231)and 52(22.5%,52/231), respectively. While in the singleton group, the cases in each time period were 27(53%,27/51), 16(31%, 16/51)and 8(16%,8/51).There was no difference between the two groups at each time period(P>0.05). (3)The fetal loss rate in the twins group were 7%(9/129), 12%(6/50), 10%(5/52) at each time period, respectively. While for the singleton group they were 4%(1/27), 0(0/16)and 1/8, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups at each time period(P>0.05).(4)The mean birth weight of the twins group was lower than the singleton group [(2 555±447) g vs (3 084±550) g, respectively, P0.05).(5)The gestational age at delivery of the twins group was earlier than the singleton group [(36.2 ± 2.4) weeks vs(38.3 ± 2.2)weeks, respectively,P0.05].Conclusions Reduction to one fetus led to significantly better outcome than two fetuses, with no significant difference in fetal loss rate. It is better to advise patients with triplets reduce to singleton pregnancy.
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PurposeTo evaluate the safety and feasibility of transabdominal ultrasound guided multifetal pregnancy reduction performed in the second trimester.Materials and Methods Forty-three women receiving embryo implantation were divided into two groups according to whether they have received multifetal pregnancy reduction including 16 in the reduction group in the second trimester to reduce multiple fetuses to twins, and 27 with twin pregnancy and no reduction. The pregnancy outcome was compared.Results In the reduction group, 1 patient had miscarriage because of intrauterine infection; 1 patient lost one of the retained fetuses in two days after reduction and delivered the remaining fetus. In the other 14 cases, 8 delivered and 6 were still in pregnancy. This group had 17 newborns, all without neonatal death or birth defects. In the non-reduction group, there was 1 spontaneous abortion. In 2 patients, 1 of the twin embryos stopped development. 1 case had a spontaneous abortion, the other 24 cases delivered uneventfully. There were 50 newborns in this group with 3 birth defects and no neonatal death. There was no statistically significant difference in gestational age at delivery, birth weight, and the incidence of maternal and neonate complications (P>0.05).Conclusion Multifetal reduction improves pregnancy outcomes, similar to non-reduction twin pregnancy. It is safe and feasible to perform multifetal pregnancy reduction in the second trimester.
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Objective To discuss the methods and outcomes of twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence in different stage. Methods From August 2012 to December 2013, 11 cases were diagnosed with twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAP) by 3d color Doppler ultrasound in the Maternal ang Fetal Medicine Center ,Affiliated Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, including 3 cases in stageⅠa, 7 in stageⅡa and 1 case in stageⅡb. We performed expected therapy to 3 cases in stageⅠa and 4 cases in stageⅡa [1 case (case 9) in stageⅡa developed to stageⅡb and was terminated by emergency cesarean section], radio frequency ablation (RFA) selective reduction to 3 cases in stage Ⅱa, emergency cesarean section to 1 case in stageⅡb. All cases except case 1,4 took cesarean section to terminate pregnancy and would be followed up on the aspect of infant′s growth. Results (1) 3 cases in stageⅠa were monitored by sequential ultrasound examination, all donors grew normally, in which 2 acardias arised spontaneous cessation of flow and were implemented of cesarean section after the normal period of gestation; 1 case suffered premature rupture of membrane and experienced the natural childbirth at 34 gestation weeks plus 5 days. The survived average labor weight was 2 923 g. (2) In the 7 stage Ⅱa cases, 3 cases were implemented of RFA selective reduction, 2 cases survived and the average labor gestation was 35 weeks plus 1 day and average labor weight was 2 050 g;in 3 expected therapy cases, 1 case suffered premature rupture of membrane at 34 gestation weeks plus 5 days and experienced cesarean section; 1 case was observed for 3 weeks and the donor was stillborn; 1 case progressed to stage Ⅱb and experienced cesarean section at 34 gestation weeks plus 5 days;and 1 case was lost of follow up. (3) For 2 cases of stageⅡb cases, one was progressed from stage Ⅱa during expected therapy; the other one had been already in stage Ⅱb since visiting and experimented an emergency cesarean section, but the neonate died of heart failure two days after labor. (4) 7 survived neonates were followed up, all had a normal condition compared to kids of the same age, except one suffering a congenital heart disease, patent ductus arteriosus and atrial septal defect and whose weight (6 kg at 7 months) was lighter. Conclusions We should make the diagnosis of TRAP as early as soon and choose appropriate therapy according to the stage. According to our research, cases in stage Ⅰa can undergo an expected therapy under a sequential ultrasound examination;cases in stageⅡa can undergo a RFA selective reduction to improve the prognosis of the donor, which can make a good perinatal outcome.
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To assess the perinatal outcomes following selective feticide through radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in complex monochorionic pregnancies. Methods In this retrospective observational study, 34 cases of complex monochorionic pregnancies treated with RFA for selective feticide and delivered at the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013, were included. Gestational age at RFA, the number of RFA cycles, maternal and fetal complications, gestational age at delivery, neonatal outcomes at 28 days after birth and neonatal development after birth were recorded. Fetal survival rate were defined as the number of survivors at 28 days after birth divided by the number of remaining fetuses after RFA. Factors affecting fetal survival rate were also analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test. Results (1) The process for RFA:The gestatinal age for the procedure was (20.7±3.1) weeks(16+1-27+6 weeks). The successful rate of procedures was 100%(34/34) and the cycle number for RFA was 1-6 times. (2)Fetal complications and survival rate of remaining fetuses after RFA:there were six pregnant women suffering from premature rupture of membrane (PROM) before 28 weeks. Among those women, one had miscarriaged at 25 weeks, one chose to terminate at 26 weeks and the remaining four chose to continue the pregnancy. There were three remaining fetuses developing fetal severe anemia with hydrops after RFA. Two of them had fetal demises 2 days after the procedures and one chose to have termination. Another two cases with discordant fetal anomalies had fetal demises with unknown reasons one day after RFA. There were 27 remaining fetuses after RFA who survived until 28 days after birth. The mean gestational age at delivery was(36.4±4.1)weeks (26+4-40 weeks) and the mean birth weight was (2 913± 978) g (1 080-4 600 g). The overall fetal survival rate 28 days after birth was 79%(27/34). There were no abnormal findings in antenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) four weeks after the procedure and no abnormal development of nervous system in the surviving neonates between 3 months old and 1.5 years old. (3) Factors affecting fetal survival rate :There were no significant differences identified in the rate of fetal severe anemia and fetal demise (2/15, 2/13 and 1/6), the rate of PROM before 28 weeks (1/15, 4/13 and 1/6) and survival rate of 28 days after birth (13/15, 10/13 and 4/6)among three groups with different gestational age (16+1-, 20- and 24-27+6 weeks) for RFA(all P>0.05). The indications for RFA included severe selective intrauterine growth restriction (50%, 17/34), discordant for fetal abnormalities(24%, 8/34) , twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence(18%, 6/34)and dichorionic or monochorionic triamniotic pregnancy (9%, 3/34). There were also no significant differences noted in the rate of fetal complications and fetal demise(3/17, 2/8, 0/6, 0/3), the rate of PROM before 28 weeks (3/17, 0/8, 2/6, 1/3)and survival rate of 28 days after birth among different groups (12/17, 6/8, 6/6, 3/3) with different indications for RFA(all P>0.05) . No significant differences observed in the rate of fetal complications and fetal demise(10% and 2/5)and the rate of PROM before 28 weeks (17%and 2/5)between two groups with different cycle numbers for RFA (<3 times and≥3 times, all P<0.05), while the group with cycle number ≥ 3 times had lower survival rate 28 days after birth than the group with cycle number<3 times for RFA (2/5 vs 86%, P<0.05). Conclusions RFA is one of effective and safe procedures for selective feticide in complex monochorionic pregnancies.
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Objective To evaluate the clinical effect and safety of umbilical cord ligation in the fetocide of complicated monochorionic multiple gestations.Methods From January 2009 to December 2012,clinical data of 18 women with complicated monochorionic multiple gestations who experienced intrauterine percutaneous umbilical cord ligation in Peking University Third Hospital were collected.Among the patients,6 were selective intrauterine growth restriction (1 with type Ⅰ,4 with type Ⅱ,1 with type Ⅲ) ; 4 were acrania or hydropic twins; 4 were aeardiac twins,2 were complicated triplet gestation; 1 was twin-twin transfusion syndrome with right ventricular dysplasia and 1 was monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) with caesarean section history.The procedure was performed under both endoscopic and sonographic guidance.The gestational age at the time of the procedure were 17-27 +6 weeks.The procedure and perinatal outcome were analyzed.Results (1) The procedure was performed successfully in all the 18 cases.The average duration of the procedure was 63 min (24-156 min).The blood loss was 7.6 ml (5-20 ml).The mean gestational age at the time of the procedure was 20 weeks (17-27 +6 weeks).The average birth weight of the neonates was 2441 g(1000-3400 g).(2) There were 20 fetuses survived.Two fetuses had cardiac anomalies and were terminated in the following 2-3 weeks.Intrauterus fetal demise occured in 3 twin reverse arterial perfusion syndrome (TRAP) cases 3-14 weeks after the procedure.1 case delivered as early preterm birth at 28 weeks and the neonate died of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and hypoxie-ischemicencephalopathy (HIE).Fourteen neonates were in healthy and normal development by 3-51 months' followup.(3) Fourteen cases delivered at more than 28 weeks (28-38 weeks,averagely 33 + 1 weeks).The gestational weeks were prolonged by 5-21 weeks (averagely 13 +4 weeks).Among them,3 case were early preterm birth (28-33 weeks) and 3 were late preterm birth (34-36 weeks).Conclusion Percutaneous umbilical cord ligation is a reliable technique for the fetocide of complicated monochrionic mutilple gestations,especially for monochronic monoamniotie pregnancies.