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.

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.

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.

Síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal (STFF)

Objetivos: Revisar el síndrome de transfusión feto fetal (STFF) en relación al diagnóstico, tratamiento y resultados comparativos de sobrevivencia y complicaciones por las técnicas utilizadas, y la situación actual del manejo de esta complicación en el Perú. Métodos: Se revisó publicaciones en fuentes bibliográficas especializadas y se analizó la experiencia en Perú y Chile sobre el manejo del síndrome. Resultados: El STFF es una complicación poco frecuente en el embarazo gemelar monocoriónico, pero con alta repercusión en la salud de ambos fetos. Existe evidencia científica clara de que el tratamiento de elección en casos severos (Quintero I-IV) es la coagulación láser de las anastomosis superficiales y profundas mediante fetoscopia entre las 18 y 26 semanas de gestación. En el Perú se presentan alrededor de 140 casos al año, siendo necesaria la implementación de esta técnica. Conclusiones: El tratamiento de elección en casos severos de STFF es la coagulación láser de las anastomosis superficiales y profundas mediante fetoscopia entre las 18 y 26 semanas de gestación. Es necesaria la implementación de esta técnica en el Perú.

Objectives: To review twin-twin transfusion syndrome (mS) comparative results by techniques used in regards to diagnosis, treatment, survival and complications, as well as current management of this complication in Peru. Methods: Articles published in specialized bibliographic sources were revised, and experience in Peru and Chile on management of this syndrome was analyzed. Results: ms is an uncommon complication of monochorionic twin pregnancy with major repercussion on the health of both fetuses. Treatment of choice of severe cases (Quintero I-IV) is fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of superficial and deep anastomoses at 18-26 weeks of pregnancy. About 140 cases per year occur in Peru and implementation ofthis technique is necessary. Conclusions: Elective treatment of severe cases of ms is fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of superficial and deep anastomoses between 18-26 weeks of gestation. This technique should be implemented in Peru.

Comparative study of twin-twin transfusion syndrome and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence / 国际儿科学杂志

In monozygotic monochorionic diamnionic twin pregnancy,twin-twin transfusion syndrome is one of the most serious complications and often exhibit twin growth not well proportioned, abnormal amniotic fluid volume and other complications.Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence is a special type of Twin-twin transfusion syndrome, and both have great difference in clinical manifestations, diagnosis and prognosis of neonatal stages.This article compares with the pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, treatment methods and prognosis of these two diseases.

Síndrome de transfusão feto-fetal, diagnóstico e tratamento: relato de caso / Twin-twin transfusion syndrome, diagnosis and treatment: case report

Objetivo: relatar um caso de síndrome de transfusão feto-fetal (STFF), demonstrando a importância do correto eprecoce diagnóstico ultrassonográfico e quando necessário a indicação da fotocoagulação a laser fetoscópica(FCLF) como melhor conduta terapêutica. Relato do caso: mulher 18 anos, secundigesta, gestação gemelarmonocoriônica diamniótica com diagnóstico ultrassonográfico tardio de STFF, devido não realização de prénatal.Realizados dois procedimentos de amniodrenagem como medida paliativa, evoluindo para partoprematuro no oitavo dia de internação. Um dos gêmeos evoluiu a óbito na UTI neonatal. Considerações finais:percebe-se a necessidade de uma melhor assistência pré-natal, treinamento dos profissionais médicos para arealização do diagnóstico ultrassonográfico correto e de investimentos em centros de Medicina fetal no Parápara tratamento adequado

Objective: to report a case of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), demonstrating the importance of correctand early ultrasound diagnosis and when necessary the indication of laser photocoagulation fetoscópica (FCLF)as the best therapeutic approach. Case report: 18 years woman, in her second, diamniótica monochorionic twinpregnancy with late diagnosis of TTTS, because failure to carry out prenatal care. Evolved into premature laborafter cesarean with indication of two procedures amniodrenagem. After a cesarean section withoutcomplications was death of the twins in the NICU. Final considerations: we perceive the need to support theadequacy of prenatal care, training of medical professionals to perform the correct ultrasound diagnosis andinvestments in fetal medicine centers in Pará.

Neonatal Mortality and Morbidity of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to evaluate the neonatal mortality and morbidity of infants affected by twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) compared to the control twins matched for gestational age. Also the perinatal outcomes of donor parts of TTTS twins with their counterpart recipients were compared. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted from infants born at Seoul National University Children's Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between April 2005 and July 2011. Eighteen pairs of TTTS infants were allocated to the TTTS group. The control group consisted of 36 pairs of twin infants unaffected by TTTS who were matched for gestational age. Neonatal deaths and morbidities were recorded. RESULTS: The mortality in TTTS group was significantly higher than control group (27.8% vs. 4.2%, P=0.001). The incidence of acute renal failure (41.2% vs. 9.7%, P or =2 intraventricular hemorrhage (33.3% vs. 11.1%, P=0.012) and grade > or =2 periventricular leukomalacia (24.2% vs. 2.8%, P=0.001) were significantly higher in TTTS group than control group. There was no significant difference in mortality and morbidities between donors and recipients except significantly higher incidence of acute renal failure in donors (70.6% vs. 11.8%, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Twin infants affected by TTTS have higher risk of neonatal death and several severe morbidities. These results indicate that alert monitoring and checking about possible morbidities are very important in newborns with TTTS and early intervention is critical for improving the overall outcome of the affected infants.

Assessment of right ventricular function in recipient fetus of twin-twin transfusion syndrome with two-dimensional strain imaging / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of two-dimensional strain imaging in assessing right ventricular function of recipient fetus in TTTS pregnancies.Methods Sixteen TTTS pregnancies and 19 normal monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies(controls) were included.Doppler studies of the umbilical artery,umbilical vein,ductus venosus,middle cerebral artery,atrioventricular valve and semilunar value were recorded in both fetus,and myocardial performance index of both ventricles was calculated.Longitudinal peak systolic strain of right ventricular were calculated and compared between recipient fetus and other fetus.Results Cardiothoracic ratio and myocardial performance index of right ventricular showed significant differences between recipient fetus and controls.Right ventricular strain was decreased in recipient fetus compared with controls.Conclusions Two-dimensional strain imaging can be used to evaluate right ventricular myocardial function in the recipient fetus of TTTS.

Selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of superficial placental anastomoses for the treatment of severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To report our initial institutional experience with fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of placental anastomoses in severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome using a 1.0 mm endoscope. METHODS: Between July 2006 and June 2008, 19 monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies complicated by severe TTTS (Quintero stages III and IV) underwent fetoscopic laser therapy. Perinatal data were prospectively collected and compared according to the Quintero stages. RESULTS: Nine patients were classified as stage III and ten as stage IV. The Mean gestational ages at diagnosis and procedure were 20 (range: 17-25) and 22.0 (range: 19.0-26.0) weeks, respectively, with no statistical difference between the two groups. Preterm premature rupture of the membranes occurred in two cases (10.5 percent), and spontaneous preterm delivery in eight (42.1 percent). Overall mean gestational age at delivery was 32.1 (range: 26.0-38.0) weeks. Prematurity was more severe in stage IV patients (p<0.01). Among all cases, the overall survival rate was 52.6 percent, and the percentages of pregnancies with survival of both babies and at least one twin were 26.3 percent and 78.9 percent, respectively. In the case of stage III patients, the overall survival rate was 61.1 percent. Of the stage III pregnancies, 33.3 percent resulted in both babies surviving, and 88.9 percent of these pregnancies resulted in at least one surviving twin. For stage IV, as the corresponding statistics were 45.0 percent, 20.0 percent and 70.0 percent respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial institutional experience with 1.0 mm fetoscopic laser therapy for severe TTTS showed results similar to those reported in the literature for larger endoscopes.

Perinatal Outcomes of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome according to Clinical Stage based on Sonographic findings / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: After classifing the twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) according to clinical stage by Quintero, we reviewed effectiveness and usefulness of clinical stage by Quintero in diagnosis and treatment of TTTS. METHODS: Twelve cases (16%) were diagnosed as TTTS among 75 examples (31.3%) of monochorionic twin pregnancy out of 240 cases of twin pregnancy born in our hospital between Mach 2000 and June 2004. For TTTS, the clinical stage was decided at the time of initial diagnosis, and any changes of it were observed according to the developments of pregnancy. Neonate was regarded as alive when 5 minutes Apgar score was above 7 after birth. Also we observed the vascular anastomosis of placenta, and classified the method of treatments and its results according to each clinical stage. RESULTS: Two cases were classified into the clinical stage 1 through 4 each, and 4 cases in the clinical stage 5. The higher the clinical stage, the shorter the duration between diagnosis and delivery (p<0.05). In cases of both survivors, compared to no survivors, the interval between diagnosis and delivery were long (p<0.05). In the clinical stage 4 and 5, we found many cases that didn't have placental vascular anastomosis between artery and artery, and in this case, there revealed poor perinatal outcomes. For 4 cases that fell in the clinical stage 1 and 2 and 4, we performed amnioreduction and for one case in the clinical stage 2, we did amnioseptostomy at the same time. In 4 cases with amnioreduction or amnioseptostomy, survival rate was 38%. CONCLUSION: The clinical classification system of TTTS by ultrasound would be helpful for planning treatments and also for predicting the outcomes.

Retrospective analysis of fetoscopic photocoagulation of communicating placental vessels of twin-twin transfusion syndrome / 第三军医大学学报

Objective To investigate the effect of fetoscopic photocoagulation of communicating placental vessels in twin-twin transfusion syndrome(TTTS)(selective or non-selective) on the perinatal outcomes.Methods Six cases of TTTS admitted in our department from Dec.2006 to Jun.2008 underwent fetoscopic photocoagulation of communicating vessels.Under direct real-time sonographic guidance,a 3-mm-diameter fetoscope was percutaneously inserted through the maternal abdominal wall into the amniotic cavity of the recipient twin.A combination of ultrasonographic and fetoscopic vision was used to identify the crossing vessels which were systematically coagulated using Nd:YAG laser fiber or bipolar electrocoagulation.Results All the 6 mothers tolerated the procedure without major complications.Two fetal survival rate was 33.33%.Conclusion Fetoscopic photocoagulation of communicating placental vessels in TTTS can effectively improve perinatal outcomes.

Diagnosis, management and pregnancy outcomes of twin-twin transfusion syndrome / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To investigate the diagnosis, treatment and pregnancy outcomes of twin-twin transfusion syndrome(TTTS). Methods Eighteen cases of TTTS(TTTS group) were studied retrospectively from Jan 1991 to Oct 2005 in our hospital, and 620 twin pregnancies unaffected by TTTS (control group) were compared. Results (1)The overall incidence of TTTS was 2.8% in all twin pregnancies, and 8.1% in monochorionic twin pregnancies. (2) Fourteen cases of TTTS were staged, and 10 were terminated. Seven cases opted to be managed (1 case at stage Ⅱ, 5 at stage Ⅲ and 1 at stage Ⅳ). Transabdominal amnioreduction was performed in 3 cases, 2 of them progressed to stage Ⅴ and was terminated. One case was treated by fetoscopic laser coagulation and 2 neonates survived.(3)The ratio of conception by assisted reproductive techniques in TTTS group was lower(11.1% vs 40.0%,P

A Case of Acute Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome(TTTS) is a serious complication of monozygotic mu-ltiple pregnancy. TTTS is associated with high perinatal mortality rate. The acute form has been attributed to rapid transfer of blood through superficial artery-to-artery or vein-to- vein anastomoses during labor and delivery, resulting in a hypovolemic, anemic donor twin and a hypervolemic, plethoric recipient twin of similar birth weight. The authors present a case of acute twin-twin transfusion syndrome with a review of literature.