Manejo del síndrome de transfusión feto fetal en pandemia COVID-19: reporte de caso

El síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal (STFF) es una complicación propia de los embarazos gemelares monocoriales, con mortalidad perinatal del 80 a 100%. Ocurre por un desequilibrio en el flujo sanguíneo placentario entre ambos gemelos. El diagnóstico se basa en la discordancia del líquido amniótico y luego se clasifica en estadios según los criterios de Quintero. El tratamiento principal es la fetoscopia y fotoablación con energía láser (FFL) de las anastomosis placentarias. Presentamos un caso de gestación gemelar monocorial biamniótica tratado con FFL en plena cuarentena e inmovilización de la pandemia COVID-19 en Perú, que incluyó diagnóstico oportuno y referencia rápida para recibir el tratamiento especializado.

The twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a potentially lethal complication that can occur in monochorionic twin pregnancies due to an imbalance in placental blood flow. Diagnosis is based on amniotic fluid discordance and classified using the Quintero staging system. The primary treatment is fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) of placental anastomoses. A successful case of FLP treatment in a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy with TTTS during COVID-19 pandemic in Peru is presented.

Clinical analysis of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome combined with necrotizing enterocolitis / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To investigate clinical characteristics and high-risk factors of prognosis of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome(TTTS) combined with necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC).Methods:The clinical data of 102 children with TTTS admitted to the NICU at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to January 2020 were collected.Fifty-one pairs(102 cases)of twins without TTTS who were hospitalized at the same time and in the same gestational age were selected as the control group, and the relevant case data were collected and compared.The clinical data of 14 children with NEC in TTTS group were analyzed retrospectively.Results:(1)The average gestational age of TTTS group was(32.24±2.12)weeks, and that was (32.47±1.84) weeks in control group, with no statistical significance( P>0.05). The average birth weight of TTTS group was(1 547.63±523.80)g, which was lower than that of control group(1 658.71±454.13)g( P<0.05). There were 14 children in TTTS group with NEC, with an incidence of 13.7%(14/102), and seven children in the control group with NEC, with an incidence of 6.9%(7/102)( P<0.05). The proportion of very low birth weight infants, NEC occurrence within 2 weeks and mortality in TTTS group were higher than those in control group( P<0.05). (2)Compared with the non-NEC group, the NEC group of TTTS children had lower birth weight, the incidence of intrauterine distress and severe postnatal asphyxia, and the rate of sepsis were significantly higher than those in non-NEC group( P<0.05). (3)Among TTTS children, NEC was diagnosed in ten donors(71.4%) and four recipients(28.6%), with statistically significant difference between two groups( P<0.05). (4)The early clinical symptoms of TTTS complicated with NEC were mainly bloody stools, abdominal distension, poor response, apnea, and vomiting. Conclusion:TTTS is one of the risk factors for NEC, which the occurrence time of TTTS combined with NEC is not completely consistent with the classic NEC, which is more likely to occur within 2 weeks after birth.Children with TTTS complicated with NEC mostly occur in donor infants, and fetal distress in utero, severe asphyxia and sepsis are the high risk factors.The early clinical symptoms of TTTS combined with NEC are not significantly different from those of common NEC, mainly including bloody stools, abdominal diste, poor response, apnea, and vomiting.Vigilance should be raised when similar digestive symptoms appear in children.

Twin reversed arterial perfusion in twin pregnancy

An interesting case of twin reversed arterial perfusion “TRAP” from a larger apparently normal pump twin with VACTERL abnormality; to smaller structurally abnormal twin in a monoamniotic monochorionic twin pregnancy resulting in fetal demise with subsequent termination of pregnancy. Defect in early embryogenesis leads to such rare multiple presentations.

Non-immune hydrops fetalis: a case series

Hydrops fetalis is a clinical condition characterized by pathological fluid accumulation in soft tissues and serous cavities of the fetus like peritoneal cavity, pleural cavity, pericardial space, and body wall edema. Hydrops fetalis is broadly classified into Immune Hydrops Fetalis (IHF) and Non-Immune Hydrops Fetalis (NIHF). Incidence of immune hydrops fetalis due to Erythroblastosis fetalis secondary to Rh Iso-immunisation has drastically reduced due to widespread use of anti-D immunoglobulin. In the last few decades, the majority of cases are identified as non-immune hydrops. It is important to determine the cause of the hydrops fetalis in order to administer optimal management of the neonate at birth. Despite recent advances the mortality of non-immune hydrops is still high. Authors report here six cases of non-immune hydrops fetalis encountered at our tertiary care hospital over last three years.

The Amniotic Fluid Proteome Differs Significantly between Donor and Recipient Fetuses in Pregnancies Complicated by Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies. It results from disproportionate blood supply to each fetus caused by abnormal vascular anastomosis within the placenta. Amniotic fluid (AF) is an indicator reflecting the various conditions of the fetus, and an imbalance in AF volume is essential for the antenatal diagnosis of TTTS by ultrasound. In this study, two different mass spectrometry quantitative approaches were performed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) within matched pairs of AF samples.METHODS: We characterized the AF proteome in pooled AF samples collected from donor and recipient twin pairs (n = 5 each) with TTTS by a global proteomics profiling approach and then preformed the statistical analysis to determine the DEPs between the two groups. Next, we carried out a targeted proteomic approach (multiple reaction monitoring) with DEPs to achieve high-confident TTTS-associated AF proteins.RESULTS: A total of 103 AF proteins that were significantly altered in their abundances between donor and recipient fetuses. The majority of upregulated proteins identified in the recipient twins (including carbonic anhydrase 1, fibrinogen alpha chain, aminopeptidase N, alpha-fetoprotein, fibrinogen gamma chain, and basement membrane-specific heparan sulfate proteoglycan core protein) have been associated with cardiac or dermatologic disease, which is often seen in recipient twins as a result of volume overload. In contrast, proteins significantly upregulated in AF collected from donor twins (including IgGFc-binding protein, apolipoprotein C-I, complement C1q subcomponent subunit B, apolipoprotein C-III, apolipoprotein A-II, decorin, alpha-2-macroglobulin, apolipoprotein A-I, and fibronectin) were those previously shown to be associated with inflammation, ischemic cardiovascular complications or renal disease.CONCLUSION: In this study, we identified proteomic biomarkers in AF collected from donor and recipient twins in pregnancies complicated by TTTS that appear to reflect underlying functional and pathophysiological challenges faced by each of the fetuses.

Fetal Survival Immediate after Fetoscopic Laser Ablation in Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine prognostic factors that can affect the fetal survival immediate after fetoscopic laser ablation. METHODS: The study population consisted of consecutive twin pregnant women who underwent fetoscopic laser ablation with the diagnosis of twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) from 2011 to 2018 in Seoul National University Hospital. Fetal survival immediate after procedure was defined as survival to 48 hours after procedure and neonatal survival was defined as survival to 28 days of life. Clinical characteristics and ultrasound findings were compared according to the fetal survival immediate after procedure. RESULTS: A total of 57 pregnant women with TTTS were included, and the overall fetal survival immediate after procedure was 71.1% (81/114) after fetoscopic laser ablation. Fetuses who survived immediate after procedure had higher gestational age at procedure and lower frequency of abnormal Doppler studies than those did not survive. However, the frequency of hydrops was not different between cases with fetal survival and those with fetal death. The earlier gestational age at procedure and the presence of abnormal Doppler studies were significant risk factors for fetal death even after adjustment. CONCLUSION: Based on this data, the fetal survival immediate after procedure (fetoscopic laser treatment) in TTTS can be affected by the gestational age at procedure and the presence of abnormal Doppler studies.

Cirugía fetal láser en síndrome de transfusión feto feto y restricción selectiva del crecimiento intrauterino

Introduction: The monochorionic biamniotic twin pregnancy (MCBA) corresponds to approximately 15% of all twin pregnancies and an estimate of 10-15% develop complications proper of these types of pregnancies, such as selective intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGRs) and feto-fetal transfusion syndrome (FFTS). Laser fetal surgery allows treatment of these hemodynamic alterations of MCBA by fulguration of placental anastomoses, and it is currently considered the first-choice therapy for FFTS and some IUGR cases. Objectives: To highlight the general aspects of laser fetal surgery and to describe current evidence of its efficacy and safety in FFTS and IUGRs. Methods: Review of articles published during the last five years in indexed journals from the following databases: PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Review papers, original papers, and systemic reviews were included. Classic relevant papers on fetal surgery history were also included. Results: By means of this nonsystematic review of the literature, 43 articles were considered for the present paper. Conclusion: This review evidences that laser fetal surgery improves the prognosis of FFTS fetuses. The use of this therapy in IUGRs cases has not improved survival.

Introducción. El embarazo gemelar monocorial biamniótico (MCBA) corresponde aproximadamente al 15% de los embarazos gemelares y, de estos, se estima que 10 a 15% desarrollan complicaciones propias de este tipo de embarazos, como la restricción selectiva del crecimiento intrauterino (RCIUS) y el síndrome de transfusión feto (STFF). La cirugía fetal láser permite tratar la causa de estas alteraciones hemodinámicas propias de los embarazos MCBA a través de la coagulación de las anastomosis placentarias, y es considerada actualmente la terapia de elección en el STFF y aplicable en algunos casos de RCIUS. Objetivos. Resaltar los aspectos generales de la cirugía fetal láser y describir la evidencia actual de la eficacia y seguridad de su uso en el STFF y la RCIUS. Metodología. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura de artículos publicados en revistas indexadas en las siguientes bases de datos: PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library. Se incluyeron revisiones de tema, investigaciones originales y revisiones sistemáticas de la literatura, publicadas en los últimos 5 años. Además, se incluyen artículos clásicos relevantes en la historia de la cirugía fetal. Resultados. Producto de la revisión no sistemática de la literatura, se incluyeron 43 para la construcción de la presente revisión. Conclusiones. La presente revisión evidencia que la cirugía láser fetal mejora el pronóstico de los fetos con STFF. El uso de dicha terapia para los casos de restricción de crecimiento intrauterino selectivo no ha mejorado la sobrevida.

The advantage by MRI of brain lesions after fetoscopic selective laser coagulation for twin-twin transfusion syndrome / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To demonstrate that MRI is more advantageous than ultrasound in the detection of ischemic cerebral lesions precisely in twin-twin transfusion syndrome(TTTS)fetus following fetoscopic selective laser coagulation(SLCPV).Methods The fetus with TTTS treated by SLCPV were collected.All fetuses underwent brain MRI within 1-5 days after the procedure and a follow-up MRI at 29-32 weeks'gestation.All fetuses also had frequent ultrasound evaluation until delivery.Results Twenty-five pregnancies with TTTS were included in the study.Six pregnancies resulted in survival of only one twin after the procedure(Group A),while the other 19 pregnancies resulted in the survival of both twins(Group B),as assessed at the time of initial MRI.Two fetus in Group A and three in Group B had evidence of bleeding in lateral ventricle.Two fetus in Group B had actue brain ischemia.One fetus in Group B had appeared brain atrophy and choosed to terminate pregnancy.Conclusion MRI can make a clearer diagnosis of cerebral damage of TTTS fetus in a short period after SLCPV.

Progress in diagnosis and treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome is the specific complication in monochorionic diamnionic twin pregnancy with the higher morbidity and mortality.Now,the progress in the clinical manifestation,complications,diagnosis and treatment of the twin-twin transfusion syndrome are introduced,in order to arouse clinicians to put importance on the diagnosis of chorion and amnion,specially monochorion,and provide help for the early management and intervention of twin pregnancy.

Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome treatment: initial experience in tertiary reference center in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the initial maternal and perinatal outcomes of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for the treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in a referral center in Brazil. METHODS: This prospective observational study analyzed 24 fetoscopic laser photocoagulation procedures at 18–26 weeks of gestation. TTTS severity was determined using the Quintero classification. Blood vessels that crossed the interamniotic membrane were nonselectively photocoagulated. The χ2 test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean (±standard deviation) age of pregnant women, gestational age at surgery, surgical time, gestational age at birth, and newborn weight were 32.2±4.1 years, 20.7±2.9 weeks, 51.8±16.7 minutes, 30.5±4.1 weeks, and 1,531.0±773.1 g, respectively. Using the Quintero classification, there was a higher percentage of cases in stage III (54.2%), followed by stages IV (20.8%), II (16.7%), and I (8.3%). Ten (41.7%) donor fetuses died and 14 (58.3%) donor fetuses survived until the end of gestation. Placental insertion location (anterior vs. posterior) did not affect the incidence of iatrogenic septostomy, surface bleeding, and premature rupture of membranes until the end of gestation. The death rate of donor and recipient fetuses before 24th gestational week increased with severity of TTTS. CONCLUSION: The maternal and perinatal outcomes resulting from the implementation of a new minimally invasive surgical technique are in line with those obtained in major centers worldwide, considering the learning curves and infrastructures.

Inter-twin placental anastomoses not crossing the dividing membrane: laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels in the twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome / Anastomosis placentarias intergemelares que no cruzan la membrana divisoria: fotocoagulación láser de vasos comunicantes en el síndrome de transfusión intergemelar

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is thought to result from an unbalanced exchange of blood through inter-twin vascular anastomoses. Laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels has been used to prevent the development of the syndrome. Some authors have proposed that vessels crossing the membrane are "suspicious" to participate in the development of the syndrome and the laser photocoagulation of these vessels would reverse the syndrome. We present two cases of TTTS where the communicating vessels did not cross the dividing membrane, which were successfully treated with laser.

El síndrome de transfusión intergemelar (STIG) resulta de un intercambio desbalanceado de sangre a través de anastomosis vasculares entre las circulaciones de ambos fetos en embarazos monocoriales. La fotocoagulación láser de vasos comunicantes se ha utilizado para detener el desarrollo del síndrome. Algunos autores han propuesto que los vasos que cruzan la membrana divisoria son 'sospechosos' de participar en el desarrollo del síndrome y que la fotocoagulación láser de estos es capaz de revertirlo. Presentamos dos casos de STIG tratados exitosamente con fotocoagulación láser de anastomosis intergemelares, en los cuales los vasos comunicantes no cruzaban la membrana divisoria.

Resultados périnatales en embarazos múltiples monocoriales relacionados con las características placentarias / Perinatal outcomes in monochorionic multiple pregnancies regarding the placental characteristics

Resumen OBJETIVO: evaluar las características placentarias de pacientes con embarazos múltiples monocoriales relacionados con el resultado obstétrico en nuestro medio. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo efectuado en dos instituciones de tercer nivel de atención de Bogotá, Colombia, entre el 31 julio de 2009 y el 31 de agosto de 2011. Evaluación de pacientes con embarazos monocoriales, complicaciones, tratamientos y resultados perinatales; análisis placentarios relacionados con el número y tipo de anastomosis, forma y distancia entre las inserciones de los cordones umbilicales y distribución placentaria. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 72 embarazos monocoriales: 93.1% correspondieron a embarazos dobles y 86.1% a biamnióticos. De las placentas analizadas, 91.6% tuvieron al menos una anastomosis, específicamente arterioarterial (70.8% de los casos). Se encontraron complicaciones propias de los embarazos monocoriales (41.6%), principalmente: restricción de crecimiento intrauterino selectivo (16 casos) y trasfusión feto-fetal (11 pares de gemelos). Se registró un caso de trasfusión arterial reversa y una muerte fetal (10.7%) provocada por síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal. Entre las causas de morbilidad neonatal se encontraron: taquipnea transitoria del recién nacido y enfermedad de membrana hialina. La mortalidad neonatal fue de 5.4%. No hubo casos de mortalidad materna. CONCLUSIÓN: las características placentarias determinan las complicaciones propias del embarazo monocorial, principalmente: síndrome de trasfusión feto-fetal, restricción de crecimiento intrauterino selectivo. La detección ecográfica prenatal de estas alteraciones es importante para ofrecer consejería y vigilancia gestacional programada.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate placental characteristics in monochorionic multiple pregnancies in relation to obstetric outcome in our environment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective and observational study was made; carried to 31 July 2009 and 31 August 2011 in two high complexity institutions in Bogota, Colombia. We included monochorionic pregnancies for diagnosis of complications, management and perinatal outcome, placental analyzes were evaluated with respect to the number and type of anastomosis, type and distance between umbilical cord insertions and placental sharing. RESULTS: We registrered 72 monochorionic pregnancies, twin pregnancies were 93.1% and 86.1% diamniotic. Placentas analyzed 91.6% had at least one placental anastomosis, arterio-arterial mainly in 70.8% of patients. Complications of monochorionic pregnancies in 41.6% of cases mainly selective growth restriction in 16 cases, followed by twin to twin transfusion in 11 pairs of twins were found. A case of blood transfusion reverse was presented; and a fetal mortality of 10.7% remains the leading cause twin to twin transfusion syndrome. Among the causes of neonatal morbidity transient tachypnea of the newborn, followed by hyaline membrane disease were found. The neonatal mortality rate was 5.4%. There were no maternal deaths. CONCLUSION: Placental characteristics determine the complications of monochorionic pregnancy, as the presence of twin to twin transfusion syndrome selective growth restriction and perinatal outcome. Prenatal sonographic identification of these features is important for prenatal counseling and the frequency of gestational surveillance.

Rapid initiation of fetal therapy services with a system of learner-centred training under proctorship: the National University Hospital (Singapore) experience

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Management of complicated monochorionic twins and certain intrauterine structural anomalies is a pressing challenge in communities that still lack advanced fetal therapy. We describe our efforts to rapidly initiate selective feticide using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (SFLP) for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), and present the latter as a potential model for aspiring fetal therapy units.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five pregnancies with fetal complications were identified for RFA. Three pregnancies with Stage II TTTS were selected for SFLP. While RFA techniques utilising ultrasonography skills were quickly mastered, SFLP required stepwise technical learning with an overseas-based proctor, who provided real-time hands-off supervision.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All co-twins were live-born following selective feticide; one singleton pregnancy was lost. Fetoscopy techniques were learned in a stepwise manner and procedures were performed by a novice team of surgeons under proctorship. Dichorionisation was completed in only one patient. Five of six twins were live-born near term. One pregnancy developed twin anaemia-polycythaemia sequence, while another was complicated by co-twin demise.</p><p><b>DISCUSSION</b>Proctor-supervised directed learning facilitated the rapid provision of basic fetal therapy services by our unit. While traditional apprenticeship is important for building individual expertise, this system is complementary and may benefit other small units committed to providing these services.</p>

Manejo del síndrome de transfusión feto fetal en gestaciones gemelares monocoriales / Management of twin-twin transfusion syndrome in monochorionic twin gestations

El síndrome de transfusión feto fetal es una complicación grave de las gestaciones gemelares monocoriales. Su etiología se debe a la transfusión crónica de sangre del feto donante, al feto receptor; a través de las anastomosis vasculares entre los territorios placentarios de ambos. El cuadro clínico característico se evidencia en ambos fetos: receptor y donante, lo cual es consecuencia directa de las alteraciones en la volemia que padece cada uno. En el feto receptor, se observa un polihidramnios relacionado con la poliuria derivada de un estado de hipervolemia constante, que evoluciona hacia una insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva. En el feto donante, el cuadro es inverso; caracterizado por oligoamnios, oliguria, crecimiento intrauterino retardado e hipovolemia, con tasas de mortalidad sin tratamiento de entre 80-100 por ciento de los casos, que varían en función del grado de transfusión. El diagnóstico se basa en el estudio ecográfico exhaustivo de ambos fetos, procurando un diagnóstico precoz y un estadiaje correcto, ya que el pronóstico se verá muy influenciado por la actuación temprana. El tratamiento de elección es la coagulación láser de las anastomosis vasculares por fetoscopia, idealmente entre la semana 18 y 26 de embarazo. El pronóstico es variable, en función de la disponibilidad de terapia fetal y de la edad gestacional en el momento del diagnóstico; al ser, en general, de muy mal pronóstico sin tratamiento efectivo(AU)

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome is one of the most serious complications of monochorionic multiple gestations. Its etiology is due to a chronic blood transfusion from de donor twin to the recipient twin through the vascular anastomoses between the placental territories of both fetuses. The characteristic clinical presentation appears in both donor and recipient fetuses, as a direct consequence of altered volemia in each one. Polyhydramnios related to polyuria resulting from a state of constant hypervolemia is observed in the recipient twin, finally evolving into congestive heart failure. The clinical presentation in the donor twin is reversed and characterized by oligoamnios, oliguria, retarded intrauterine growth and hypovolemia, with untreated mortality rates ranging 80-100 percent of all cases, which may vary depending on the severity of the transfusion. The diagnosis is based on exhaustive echographic examination of both fetuses to make an early diagnosis and correct staging, since the prognosis depends very much on early action. The treatment of choice is fetoscopic laser coagulation of vascular anastomoses between 18 and 26 weeks of gestation. The prognosis is variable, depending on the availability of fetal therapy and the gestational age at diagnosis, being prognosis generally very poor without an effective treatment(AU)

Mirror Syndrome after Fetoscopic Laser Treatment - A Case Report / Síndrome do espelho após tratamento laser por fetoscopia - caso clínico

Abstract Mirror syndrome is a rare disease with unknown pathophysiology that can be present in different diseases that can cause fetal hydrops. The prognosis is usually bad with a high perinatal mortality. We report an unusual form of mirror syndrome that manifested itself only after a successful treatment for fetal hydrops (caused by twin-twin transfusion syndrome, in Quinteros stage IV) was performed. This syndrome was controlled by medical treatment, and despite the usually bad prognosis seen in these cases, we could extend the pregnancy from the 23rd to the 34th week of gestation, resulting in the birth of 2 live infants.

Resumo A síndrome do espelho é uma doença rara, de fisiopatologia desconhecida, que se manifesta em situações obstétricas responsáveis pela presença de hidrópsia fetal. Habitualmente o prognóstico é reservado, uma vez que se associa a elevadas taxas de mortalidade perinatal. O presente caso clínico trata de uma situação de síndrome do espelho que se manifestou, atipicamente, após o tratamento eficaz para a hidrópsia fetal associada à síndrome de transfusão feto-fetal. Apesar do mau prognóstico associado a estas situações, conseguiu-se controlar a situação apenas com tratamento médico e, desta forma, prolongar a gravidez durante 12 semanas.

Resultados perinatales en el síndrome de transfusión feto fetal manejados con la técnica de Solomon: revisión de la literatura / Perinatal outcomes in fetal-fetal transfusion syndrome managed with the Solomon technique: literature review

INTRODUCCIÓN: Entre 15-20% de los embarazos gemelares monocoriales biamnióticos se complican con el síndrome de transfusión feto/fetal el cual se asocia con mortalidad superior a 90% y morbilidad significativa en el 50% del gemelo sobreviviente. La técnica láser que coagula la superficie de la placa coriónica entre los principales canales a lo largo del ecuador (técnica de Solomon), se ha sugerido para disminuir la recurrencia, prevenir complicaciones secundarias sin incrementar resultados adversos. Métodos: REVISIÓN de la literatura existente en las bases de datos MEDLINE, EBSCO, OVID, PROQUEST, COCHRANE, Lilacs, SciELO, desde el año 2000 al 2015. Se incluyeron los artículos de revisión e investigaciones originales que compararon la técnica estándar de fotocoagulación secuencial con láser y la técnica de Solomon, el resultado primario fue la reducción de la incidencia Secuencia Anemia Policitemia, recurrencia del síndrome de transfusión feto/fetal, mortalidad perinatal y morbilidad neonatal severa. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron 200 artículos, se seleccionaron seis: 1 ensayo clínico y su análisis secundario, 2 estudios de cohorte retrospectivos, 1 revisión sistemática y un estudio que compara los resultados del neurodesarrollo. Los estudios sugieren una mejoría en la sobrevida de algunos de los fetos con la técnica Solomon, menor recurrencia del síndrome de transfusión feto/fetal y Secuencia Anemia Policitemia, sin la presencia de eventos adversos. CONCLUSIÓN: La técnica de Solomon mejora la sobrevida de algunos gemelos, sin embargo no puede concluirse que haya mejoría en la mortalidad pues los estudios no tienen el suficiente poder para determinarlo.

INTRODUCTION: Between 15 to 20% of monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies are complicated by the twin-twin transfusion syndrome. It has a mortality greater than 90% and a significant morbidity, 50% in the surviving twin. The Solomon technique (laser photocoagulation of the main vascular channels of the chorio-nic plate surface along the entire vascular equator) has been suggested to reduce the recurrence, and pre-vent secondary complications without increasing adverse results. METHODS: Systematic review of electronic searches of the literature from 2000 to 2015 (MEDLINE, EBSCO, OVID, PROQUEST, COCHRANE, Lilacs, and SciELO). We included review articles and original investigations comparing the standard photocoagulation technique with laser ablation against the Solomon technique. The primary results were reduction of Anemia Polycythemia Sequence incidence, twin-twin transfusion syndrome recurrence, perinatal mortality and severe neonatal morbidity. RESULTS: Of 200 articles, we selected six: one clinical essay and its secondary analysis, two retrospective cohort studies, one systematic review and a study comparing neurodeve-lopmental outcomes. The studies suggested a survival improvement in some fetuses using the Solomon technique, less twin-twin transfusion syndrome recurrence and Anemia Polycythemia Sequence without the presence of adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Solomon technique improves the survival of some twins, although we cannot conclude there is mortality improvement, because the studies do not have enough power to determine that.

Síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal: experiencia de 69 casos / Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: experience with 69 cases

La fetoscopia por síndrome de transfusión feto fetal es la cirugía fetal más realizada en el mundo. Los resultados deben ser reportados, para que las pacientes puedan elegir su opción de atención. Objetivo: Determinar los resultados de cirugía fetal en el síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo. Lugar: Clínica Alemana, Santiago, Chile. Participantes: Gestantes con gemelares. Intervenciones: La cirugía fetal se realizó con anestesia local, endoscopios Storz de 3,3 mm, específicos para fetoscopia. Principales medidas de resultados: Sobrevida fetal. Resultados: La serie de casos se inició en el año 2005, y hasta la fecha se han realizado 71 cirugías, con 69 que han resuelto su embarazo. Treinta y tres mujeres tuvieron ambos hijos vivos (48%), 25 solo un hijo vivo (36%) y 11 concluyeron sin hijos vivos (16%). Conclusiones: La tasa de embarazos con uno o ambos niños vivos fue 84%, superando 90% en los últimos 30 casos. Hubo 6 pacientes de Perú, de las cuales cuatro tuvieron ambos hijos vivos.

Fetoscopy for fetal-fetal transfusion syndrome is the most frequent fetal surgery performed in the world. The results should be reported, so that the patients can choose their choice of care. Objective: To determine the results of fetal surgery on twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Clínica Alemana, Santiago, Chile. Participants: Pregnant women with twins. Interventions: Fetal surgery was performed under local anesthesia, with 3.3mm fetoscopy-specific Storz endoscopes. Main outcome measures: Fetal survival. Results: The series of cases began in the year 2005, and to date 71 surgeries were carried out, with 69 that resolved their pregnancy. Thirty-three women had both living children (48%), 25 only one living child (36%) and 11 concluded without living children (16%). Conclusions: The rate of pregnancies with one or both children born alive was 84%, exceeding 90% in the last 30 cases. There were 6 patients from Peru, of which four had two living children.

A Case of Spontaneous Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence

Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is characterized by the transfer of blood via intertwin vascular anastomoses in a single placenta. It differs from twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in that amniotic fluid levels remain normal during pregnancy. Since the concept of TAPS was first introduced in 2007, some cases have been reported abroad, but no such a case has been reported in Korea. Here, we report the first case of spontaneous TAPS in Korea.

The Impact of Introduction of Fetoscopic Laser Surgery on Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

PURPOSE: Fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) is considered an optimal therapeutic strategy for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). We aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of TTTS patients since the introduction of FLS. METHODS: A retrospective study of TTTS patients born between January 2005 and December 2015 was conducted. Mortality and morbidity were compared in the FLS and non-FLS groups. The FLS group was divided into selective FLS and Solomon technique group, and subgroup analysis was performed. RESULTS: Of 70 pregnancies diagnosed with TTTS during the study period, FLS was performed for 35 (50%). Survival of at least one infant at discharge was achieved in 100% (35/35) of pregnancies in the FLS group and 91.4% (32/35) in the non-FLS group (P=0.028). Subgroup analysis revealed that the Solomon technique group had a higher dual survival rate than the selective FLS group (81.3% vs. 57.9%, P=0.036). Neonatal mortality was significantly lower in the FLS group than in the non-FLS group (1.7% vs. 16.4%, P=0.005). Severe intraventricular hemorrhage more than grade 3 was less frequent in the FLS group than in the non-FLS group (0% vs. 18.2%, P= 0.001). The FLS group showed smaller inter-twin differences in birth weight (24.4% vs. 33.7%, P= 0.032) and lower incidence of twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (0% vs. 43.8%, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Since the introduction of FLS, the survival rate of TTTS patients has improved. The Solomon technique resulted in better dual survival rates than selective FLS.

Role of MRI in Detecting Cerebral Anomalies and Cerebral Hypoperfusion in Surviving Twin after the Co Twin Demise of Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy.

Aim: To demonstrate the role of MRI in detecting cerebral anomalies and cerebral hypo perfusion in surviving twin after the co twin demise of monochorionic twin pregnancy. Case Presentation: 28 year old second gravida came for routine antenatal sonography at 29 weeks. Her routine anomaly scan at 20 weeks for her twin gestation was unremarkable. Present antenatal sonography revealed monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy with demise of one of the twins at 23 weeks. Ultrasound and doppler evaluation did not exhibit abnormality in surviving twin whereas MR evaluation revealed changes in feral brain due to ischaemia. Discussion: Mono chorionic twin pregnancies are associated with numerous complications due to vascular anastomotic channels in the shared placenta. Complications include Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, Anaemia - polycythemia sequence, selective intra uterine growth retardation, cotwin demise, neurological damage in surviving twin. Though prenatal Doppler sonography is often used for neurological assessment of the surviving twin, in utero Magnetic Resonance Imaging of foetal brain aids in definitive diagnosis of cerebral pathologies. Conclusion: MRI plays an important role in assessing cerebral hypo perfusion injuries and cerebral anomalies.