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Bevilacqua E, Torcia E, Meli F, Josse J, Bonanni G, Olivier C, Romanzi F, Carlin A, Familiari A, Jani JC, Lanzone A, Badr DA. Maternal and fetal outcomes after planned cesarean or vaginal delivery in twin pregnancy: a comparison between 2 third level birth centers. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2024; 37:2350676. [PMID: 38724257 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2350676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twin pregnancy is associated with higher risks of adverse perinatal outcomes for both the mother and the babies. Among the many challenges in the follow-up of twin pregnancies, the mode of delivery is the last but not the least decision to be made, with the main influencing factors being amnionicity and fetal presentation. The aim of the study was to compare perinatal outcomes in two European centers using different protocols for twin birth in case of non-cephalic second twin; the Italian patients being delivered mainly by cesarean section with those in Belgium being routinely offered the choice of vaginal delivery (VD). METHODS This was a dual center international retrospective observational study. The population included 843 women with a twin pregnancy ≥ 32 weeks (dichorionic or monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies) and a known pregnancy outcome. The population was stratified according to chorionicity. Demographic and pregnancy data were reported per pregnancy, whereas neonatal outcomes were reported per fetus. We used multiple logistic regression models to adjust for possible confounding variables and to compute the adjusted odds ratio (adjOR) for each maternal or neonatal outcome. RESULTS The observed rate of cesarean delivery was significantly higher in the Italian cohort: 85% for dichorionic pregnancies and 94.4% for the monochorionic vs 45.2% and 54.4% respectively in the Belgian center (p-value < 0.001). We found that Belgian cohort showed significantly higher rates of NICU admission, respiratory distress at birth and Apgar score of < 7 after 5 min. Despite these differences, the composite severe adverse outcome was similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION In this study, neither the presentation of the second twin nor the chorionicity affected maternal and severe neonatal outcomes, regardless of the mode of delivery in two tertiary care centers, but VD was associated to a poorer short-term neonatal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bevilacqua
- Department of Women and Child Health, Women Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Torcia
- Department of Women and Child Health, Women Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Meli
- Department of Women and Child Health, Women Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Juliette Josse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Giulia Bonanni
- Department of Women and Child Health, Women Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Camille Olivier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Federica Romanzi
- Department of Women and Child Health, Women Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrew Carlin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Familiari
- Department of Women and Child Health, Women Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Jacques C Jani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonio Lanzone
- Department of Women and Child Health, Women Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Dominique A Badr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Gebb JS, Khalek N, Whitehead MT, Oliver ER. Monochorionic Twin Complications and Fetoscopic Interventions. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2024; 32:513-528. [PMID: 38944438 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2024.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Monochorionic twins are at risk for complications due to the presence of placental vascular anastomoses, including twin-twin transfusion syndrome, twin anemia-polycythemia sequence, selective fetal growth restriction, and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence. While ultrasound is the primary modality to screen for the development of these complications, MRI plays an important role in assessing monochorionic twin pregnancies for the development of other complications, such as neurologic injury. In this article, the authors review the ultrasound imaging findings associated with monochorionic twin complications, management options, and the role for MRI in these pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana S Gebb
- Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3500 Civic Center Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, The Hub for Clinical Collaboration@CHOP, 3500 Civic Center Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nahla Khalek
- Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3500 Civic Center Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, The Hub for Clinical Collaboration@CHOP, 3500 Civic Center Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew T Whitehead
- Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Neuroradiology, The Hub for Clinical Collaboration@CHOP, 3500 Civic Center Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Edward R Oliver
- Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Silvano A, Sisti G, Seravalli V, Strambi N, Parenti A, Amedei A, Witkin SS, Di Tommaso M. Changes in cytokine and sequestosome-1 levels during twin pregnancy progression: Association with outcome. Cytokine 2024; 180:156668. [PMID: 38851146 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twin pregnancies are associated with complications and adverse outcomes. The number of twin pregnancies has increased in the last decades, due to the use of assisted reproductive techniques and delayed childbearing. Analysis of changes that occur during twin pregnancy progression and their association with outcome will lead to improved clinical interventions. OBJECTIVE We evaluated if the plasma concentration of select cytokines and the level of sequestosome-1 (p62) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during each trimester of twin gestations was predictive of pregnancy outcome. STUDY DESIGN This prospective, observational study was conducted at Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy. Plasma from 82 women with twin pregnancies was collected in each trimester for measurement of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The intracellular PBMC concentration of p62, a protein involved in autophagy, kinase activity and cell differentiation, was also determined. RESULTS IL-1β (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.001), TNF-α (p < 0.001) and p62 (p < 0.05) increased from the 1st to the 2nd to the 3rd trimester. The TNF-α level was correlated with the IL-1β concentration in the 1st and 3rd trimesters p < 0.01) and with the IL-6 concentration in each of the three trimesters (p < 0.01). The intracellular p62 level in PBMCs was negatively correlated with the concentration of IL-1β in the 2nd trimester (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the IL-6 level in the 3rd trimester (p < 0.05). The TNF-α level was significantly higher in the 2nd (p < 0.05) and 3rd (p < 0.001) trimester in women with a spontaneous preterm delivery. The TNF-α concentrations in the 2nd (p < 0.05) and 3rd (p < 0.01) trimester, respectively, and 3rd trimester IL-6 (p < 0.01), were negatively associated with gestational age at delivery. The concentration of IL-6 was highest in the 2nd (p < 0.05) and 3rd (p < 0.05) trimesters in women who utilized assisted reproductive technologies. An elevated IL-1β level in the 3rd trimester was associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Variations in cytokine levels between individual women during the three trimesters of twin gestations are predictive of spontaneous preterm delivery and the onset of gestational diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Silvano
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sisti
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, USA
| | - Viola Seravalli
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Noemi Strambi
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Astrid Parenti
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Steven S Witkin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases and Parasitology, Laboratory of Virology, University of Sao Paulo Faculty of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariarosaria Di Tommaso
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Cruz JDJ, Bernardeco J, Rijo C, Cohen A, Serrano F. Hepatic arterial buffer response in monochorionic twins with selective fetal growth restriction. J Perinat Med 2024; 52:654-659. [PMID: 38769041 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2024-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Monochorionic twins (MC) have higher risk of perinatal morbi-mortality compared to singletons and dichorionic twins (DC). Selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) increases the chances of adverse outcome. Hepatic arterial buffer response (HABR) is an important mechanism for maintaining liver perfusion. We hypothesised that HABR is active in monochorionic diamniotic twins (MCDA) with sFGR where restricted fetus may have liver hypoperfusion. The objective of this study is to test whether the HAV-ratio is diminished in pregnancies affected by selective fetal growth restriction pointing to activation of HABR in the growth-restricted fetus. METHODS sFGR was defined according to a consensus definition. Hepatic artery (HA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) was measured and its correlation with fetal Dopplers and pregnancy characteristics were determined. A ratio using HA-PSV (HAV-ratio) was calculated and its association with sFGR was established. Further analysis of HA-PSV was performed comparing z-scores between normal and growth restricted fetuses. RESULTS We included 202 MCDA pregnancies, 160 (79 %) normal and 42 (21 %) with sFGR. HAV-ratio was significant different between groups. The mean HAV-ratio was 1.01 (±0.20) for normal twins and 0.77 (±0.25) for sFGR. Furthermore, HA-PSV z-scores was significant increased in in growth-restricted fetus (0.94±1.45), while in normal fetuses was -0.16 (±0.97). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that, in pregnancies with sFGR, HAV-ratio is significantly lower than in normal MCDA pregnancies. The lower HAV-ratio is due to an increase in HA PSV in the growth restricted fetus. This observation indicates an activation of HABR in the small fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jader de Jesus Cruz
- Department of Fetal Medicine, 90463 Central Lisbon University Hospitals , Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Bernardeco
- Department of Fetal Medicine, 90463 Central Lisbon University Hospitals , Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Claudia Rijo
- Department of Fetal Medicine, 90463 Central Lisbon University Hospitals , Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alvaro Cohen
- Department of Fetal Medicine, 90463 Central Lisbon University Hospitals , Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fatima Serrano
- Department of Obstetrics, 90463 Central Lisbon University Hospitals , Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre, 90463 Universidade Nova de Lisboa , Lisbon, Portugal
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Groos J, Walter A, Wittek A, Strizek B, Gembruch U, Recker F. Shaping ultrasound in midwifery: towards an evidence-based training framework for enhanced prenatal care. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 310:23-43. [PMID: 38771531 PMCID: PMC11169037 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07558-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Academic advancement of the midwifery profession highlights the need to establish standardized qualifications in obstetric ultrasound diagnosis, being a central part of prenatal care. Thus, introduction of an evidence-based training program is warranted. We aimed to reviewed curriculum designs used in midwifery ultrasound education. METHODS A systematic literature research was conducted. Embase, PubMed and Google Scholar database was reviewed for publications using the terms "[midwife], [midwives], [midwifery students], [obstetric ultrasound], [midwife sonographer] and [education], [teaching], [program], [course], [curriculum] and [learning]". Papers with full description of curriculum designs or educational programs on obstetrical ultrasound for midwives were included and scrutinized against pre-defined criteria according to the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes) scheme. RESULTS 29 publications were included. Studies demonstrated a significant disparity according to course concepts being used. Differing parameters included: Duration, structure, learning approaches, course content, examination concepts and target groups (practising midwives vs. midwives in education). CONCLUSION An evidence-based ultrasound educational program for midwives remains to be developed, including further educational guidelines. Clinical applications by midwives, as well as the distinctions from medical practise, particularly in terms of legal considerations, needs to be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Groos
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Adeline Walter
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Agnes Wittek
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Brigitte Strizek
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrich Gembruch
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Florian Recker
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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Munoz JL, Buskmiller C, Sanz Cortes M, Donepudi RV, Belfort MA, Nassr AA. Perinatal outcomes of fetoscopic selective laser photocoagulation for spontaneous twin-anemia polycythemia sequence. Prenat Diagn 2024; 44:965-970. [PMID: 38643401 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antenatal management of monochorionic pregnancies complicated by twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS) remains sub-optimally defined. Our objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fetoscopic selective laser photocoagulation with respect to fetal and neonatal survival. METHODS A case series is reported with patients referred to the Texas Children's Fetal Center for evaluation and management of suspected spontaneous TAPS without concomitant twin-to-twin syndrome from 2014 to 2023. All evaluations were performed by our team and patients with stage II-IV TAPS were offered expectant management, intrauterine transfusion, or laser therapy. Cases of post-laser TAPS were excluded from this study. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records. RESULTS During a 10-year time period, 18 patients presented to our center for the management of TAPS. Thirteen patients had stage II-IV TAPS (13/18, 72%) and elected to proceed with laser photocoagulation. All procedures were completed, and "solomonization" was performed for 12/13. Normalization of middle cerebral artery Dopplers in both fetuses was noted after all cases. There was one intrauterine fetal death of the 26 viable fetuses after laser treatment, which was complicated by selective growth restriction. Most patients (12/13) were delivered by Cesarean section at a mean gestational age of 29 ± 3 weeks. Subsequently, there was one ex-donor neonatal death in an infant who had prenatal hydrops. Overall, 30-day postnatal survival was 24/26 fetuses (92.3%). CONCLUSIONS In the setting of spontaneous TAPS, laser therapy is feasible and appears to be an effective approach with overall favorable perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessian L Munoz
- Division of Fetal Therapy and Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cara Buskmiller
- Division of Fetal Therapy and Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Magdalena Sanz Cortes
- Division of Fetal Therapy and Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Roopali V Donepudi
- Division of Fetal Therapy and Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael A Belfort
- Division of Fetal Therapy and Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ahmed A Nassr
- Division of Fetal Therapy and Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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Vivanti AJ, Maestroni C, Benachi A, Conotte S, Geipel A, Kagan KO, Borrell A, El Kenz H, Costa JM, Jani JC. Cell-free DNA screening for common autosomal trisomies using rolling-circle replication in twin pregnancies. Prenat Diagn 2024; 44:953-958. [PMID: 38801227 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the performance of prenatal screening for common autosomal trisomies in twin pregnancies through the use of rolling-circle replication (RCR)-cfDNA as a first-tier test. METHOD Prospective multicenter study. Women who underwent prenatal screening for trisomy (T) 21, 18 and 13 between January 2019 and March 2022 in twin pregnancies were included. Patients were included in two centers. The primary endpoint was the rate of no-call results in women who received prenatal screening for common autosomal trisomies by RCR-cfDNA at the first attempt, compared to that in prospectively collected samples from 16,382 singleton pregnancies. The secondary endpoints were the performance indices of the RCR-cfDNA. RESULTS 862 twin pregnancies underwent screening for T21, T18 and T13 by RCR-cfDNA testing at 10-33 weeks' gestation. The RCR-cfDNA tests provided a no-call result from the first sample obtained from the patients in 107 (0.7%) singleton and 17 (2.0%) twin pregnancies. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that significant independent predictors of test failure were twin pregnancy and in vitro fertilization conception. All cases of T21 (n = 20/862; 2.3%), T18 (n = 4/862; 0.5%) and T13 (n = 1/862; 0.1%) were correctly detected by RCR-cfDNA (respectively, 20, 4 and 1 cases). Sensitivity was 100% (95% CI, 83.1%-100%), 100% (95% CI 39.8%-100%) and 100% (95% CI 2.5%-100%) for T21, T18 and T13, respectively, in twin pregnancies. CONCLUSION The RCR-cfDNA test appears to have good accuracy with a low rate of no-call results in a cohort of twin pregnancies for the detection of the most frequent autosomal trisomies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre J Vivanti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Antoine Béclère Hospital, Paris Saclay University, AP-HP, Clamart, France
| | - Camille Maestroni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Antoine Béclère Hospital, Paris Saclay University, AP-HP, Clamart, France
| | - Alexandra Benachi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Antoine Béclère Hospital, Paris Saclay University, AP-HP, Clamart, France
| | - Stéphanie Conotte
- Department of Blood Transfusion, University Hospital Brugmann, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annegret Geipel
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Antoni Borrell
- BCNatal-Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hanane El Kenz
- Department of Blood Transfusion, University Hospital Brugmann, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Jacques C Jani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Su P, Su Y, Jia X, Han H, Li W, Ying H. Abnormal maternal apolipoprotein levels during pregnancy are risk factors for preterm birth in women with dichorionic twin pregnancies: A retrospective study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 298:158-164. [PMID: 38761531 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In singleton-pregnant women, abnormal maternal apolipoprotein levels have been confirmed as a risk factor for preterm birth. However, there are currently no studies on the relationship of the related research in twin-pregnant women. METHODS This single-center retrospective study included 743 dichorionic twin-pregnant women who delivered between January 2019 and December 2020. Twins delivered before 37 weeks gestation were categorized as the preterm group, while those delivered at or after 37 weeks gestation were classified as the term group. Maternal serum apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) levels, apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels, and the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio were measured in the first trimester(6-14 weeks), the second trimester(18-28 weeks) and the third trimester(after 28 weeks). We conducted SPSS analysis to evaluate the correlation between ApoA1 levels, ApoB levels, the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and preterm birth. RESULTS Among the 743 included dichorionic twin-pregnant women, 53.57 % (398/743) delivered preterm. Compared with the term group, the ApoA1 levels in the third trimester were lower (p < 0.001), while the Apo B/ApoA1 ratio was higher in the second (p = 0.01) and third trimesters in the preterm group (p = 0.001). When preterm birth was categorized as iatrogenic and spontaneous preterm birth, the results were similar. In the analysis stratified by prepregnancy BMI, a higher risk of preterm birth was associated with low ApoA1 levels and a high Apo B/ApoA1 ratio in the second and third trimesters only among the subgroup of overweight/obese dichorionic twin-pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS Low ApoA1 levels and a high Apo B/ApoA1 ratio during the second and third trimesters were associated with a high incidence of preterm birth for overweight/obese dichorionic twin-pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Su
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Su
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinrui Jia
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huan Han
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjiao Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hao Ying
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Wilson RD. Antenatal reproductive screening for pregnant people including preconception: Provides the best reproductive opportunity for informed consent, quality, and safety. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024:102520. [PMID: 38991859 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This antenatal screening review will include reproductive screening evidence and approaches for pre-conception and post-conception, using first to third trimester screening opportunities. METHODS Focused antenatal screening peer-reviewed publications were evaluated and summarized. RESULTS Evidenced-based reproductive antenatal screening elements should be offered and discussed, with the pregnancy planning or pregnant person, during Preconception (genetic carrier screening for reproductive partners, personal and family (including reproductive partner) history review for increased genetic and pregnancy morbidity risks); First Trimester (fetal dating with ultrasound; fetal aneuploidy screening plus consideration for expanded fetal morbidity criteria, if appropriate; pregnant person preeclampsia screening; early fetal anatomy screening; early fetal cardiac screening); Second Trimester for standard fetal anatomy screening (18-22 weeks) including cardiac; pregnant person placental and cord pathology screening; pregnant person preterm birth screening with cervical length measurement); Third Trimester (fetal growth surveillance; continued preterm birth risk surveillance). CONCLUSION Antenatal reproductive screening has multiple elements, is complex, is time-consuming, and requires the use of pre- and post-testing counselling for most screening elements. The use of preconception and trimesters 'one to three' requires clear patient understanding and buy-in. Informed consent and knowledge transfer is a main goal for antenatal reproductive screening approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Douglas Wilson
- Emeritus Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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10
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Chen W, Li Z, Wang D, Wang Z. The association between neonatal birthweight discordance and preeclampsia in twin pregnancy. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2024; 50:961-969. [PMID: 38621705 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the association between neonatal birthweight (NBW) discordance and preeclampsia (PE) in twin pregnancy. METHODS This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Women with two live births in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2011 to June 2020 were eligible. They were classified into four groups based on the quartiles of NBW discordance in monochorionic (MC) and dichorionic (DC) twin pregnancy. The relationship between NBW discordance and the risk of PE was assessed by logistic regression, subgroup analyses was further analyzed. RESULTS A total of 1566 women were eligible for the final analysis, there were 445 MC cases and 1121 DC cases. No matter in monochorionic or dichorionic pregnancy, higher NBW discordance quartiles were associated with increased risks of PE. Compared with women in the lowest NBW discordance quartile, women in the highest NBW discordance quartile had approximately 3.6 and 6.0 times risk of PE in monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancy respectively. The association between quartiles of NBW discordance and the risk of PE were higher in dichorionic pregnancy than in monochorionic pregnancy. No matter in MC or DC pregnancy, no significant interaction effects were identified for maternal age, pregnancy body mass index, mode of conception and whether complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS The increased NBW discordance quartile was related to an increased risk of PE. Assessing estimated fetal weight discordance by using ultrasound in clinical practice to predict PE remained to be further researched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuyu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongyu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zilian Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Takano M, Tachihara M, Kamiya M, Kotaki H, Shimabukuro M, Nagasaki S, Nakata M. Intertwin discordance of aldosterone levels in amniotic fluid with placental anastomoses in monochorionic twins: Insight into the pathophysiology of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024. [PMID: 38822529 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our objective was to investigate the association between the presence of placental anastomoses and intertwin differences in renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activation in monochorionic twins using amniotic fluid aldosterone (AF-ALD) levels. In addition, this study also examined the association between AF-ALD and the ALD levels in the umbilical cord blood (UCB-ALD) in monochorionic twins. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective study included monochorionic diamniotic (MD) twin pregnancies that were not complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) at delivery. Amniotic fluid and umbilical cord vein blood samples were collected from each twin at delivery, and the ALD levels were measured subsequently. The MD twins were divided into two groups: those with placental anastomoses and those without anastomoses owing to fetoscopic laser surgery. The differences in the AF-ALD levels between the larger and smaller twins were analyzed. RESULTS The AF-ALD levels showed a strong and significant positive correlation with UCB-ALD levels in 131 MD twins (r = 0.804, p < 0.001). Intertwin differences were examined in 41 and 28 pairs of MD twins with and without placental anastomoses, respectively. The AF-ALD levels in the smaller twins were significantly higher than those in the larger twins among the pairs of MD twins with placental anastomoses (p = 0.003); however, no statistically significant intertwin differences were observed among the twins without placental anastomoses (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The AF-ALD levels reflect the UCB-ALD levels in MD twins. The presence of placental anastomoses led to intertwin discordance in the ALD levels in MD twins even uncomplicated with TTTS. It was considered that monochorionic twins have this clinical background, and it leads to the development of TTTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Takano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayu Tachihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mio Kamiya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hikari Kotaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makiko Shimabukuro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sumito Nagasaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiko Nakata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Li L, Wang X, Yuan P, Zhao Y, Wei Y. The changing Doppler patterns and perinatal outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic twins with selective fetal growth restriction. J Perinat Med 2024; 52:416-422. [PMID: 38407148 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2023-0350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the clinical outcomes and Doppler patterns changes in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins with selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR). METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 362 sFGR cases from January 2010 to May 2016 at a single tertiary referral center. The Doppler waveforms of umbilical artery end-diastolic flow were collected, and all neonates were subjected to an early neonatal brain scan. RESULTS A total of 66/100 (66 %) type I cases were stable, whereas 25/100 (25 %) cases changed to type II and 9/100 (9 %) changed to sFGR complicated twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). A total of 48.9 % (22/45) sFGR cases were complicated with polyhydramnios and 30.4 % (7/23) sFGR cases were complicated with oligohydramnios, both of which were progressed to sFGR with TTTS. Mild cerebral injury was significantly associated with Doppler flow abnormalities, earlier gestational age at delivery and type of sFGR diagnosis. Severe cerebral injury was significantly associated with gestational age at delivery (31.6 vs. 34.1, p=0.002) and larger birthweight discordance (43.9 vs. 29.3 %, p=0.011). CONCLUSIONS Doppler patterns in sFGR can gradually change, with important consequences with regard to management and outcomes. Along with abnormal Doppler findings, earlier occurrence of sFGR and delivery are associated with subsequent neonatal cerebral injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xueju Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Pengbo Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yangyu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
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Roero S, Benedetto G, Charrier L, Ingala A, Ronco A, Fea T, Borgarello V, Bossotti C, Arduino S, Revelli A. Is the Early Screening of Lower Genital Tract Infections Useful in Preventing Adverse Obstetrical Outcomes in Twin Pregnancy? J Clin Med 2024; 13:2673. [PMID: 38731202 PMCID: PMC11084808 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Twin pregnancy implies a higher risk of preterm birth and, consequently, higher neonatal morbidity and mortality. In singleton pregnancies, infections of the lower genital tract (LGTIs) and bacterial vaginosis are associated with preterm labor, and their early detection has been proven effective in reducing complications like the preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) and preterm delivery. The same evidence, however, is lacking for twin pregnancies. This study aimed to evaluate whether the early identification and treatment of LGTIs or bacterial vaginosis in asymptomatic women with twin pregnancy could reduce the rate of miscarriages, pPROM, and preterm birth. Methods: This study performed a retrospective comparison of 285 women with a multiple pregnancy submitted for a cervico-vaginal swab only at 20-22 weeks (Single Test Group, STG), and 199 women who underwent the swab at 12-14 and again at 20-22 weeks (Double Test Group, DTG). All women included in the study had a twin pregnancy and were followed up at Sant'Anna Hospital, Turin (Italy), between September 2012 and February 2021. Results: In STG, 21.7% of patients had a positive swab; in DTG, 19.9% had an early positive swab that was immediately treated by targeted antibiotics; and 16.7% had a mid-pregnancy positive swab. The DTG showed a significantly lower incidence of pPROM in univariate analysis (14.4% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.021), which was confirmed by multivariate analysis (OR 0.55, CI 0.33-0.93, p = 0.025). Conclusions: Our study suggests that, in asymptomatic women with twin pregnancy, the early screening of LGTIs and bacterial vaginosis by a cervico-vaginal swab at 12-14 weeks of gestational age is effective in reducing the risk of pPROM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Roero
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, University of Turin (Department of Surgical Sciences), Via Ventimiglia 1, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Benedetto
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, University of Turin (Department of Surgical Sciences), Via Ventimiglia 1, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Lorena Charrier
- Departement of Public Health and Pediatrics, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Via Santena 5, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Agata Ingala
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, University of Turin (Department of Surgical Sciences), Via Ventimiglia 1, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alice Ronco
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, University of Turin (Department of Surgical Sciences), Via Ventimiglia 1, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Teresa Fea
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, University of Turin (Department of Surgical Sciences), Via Ventimiglia 1, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Borgarello
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, University of Turin (Department of Surgical Sciences), Via Ventimiglia 1, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Carlotta Bossotti
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, University of Turin (Department of Surgical Sciences), Via Ventimiglia 1, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Silvana Arduino
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, University of Turin (Department of Surgical Sciences), Via Ventimiglia 1, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto Revelli
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, University of Turin (Department of Surgical Sciences), Via Ventimiglia 1, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Hamel C, Amir B, Avard B, Fung-Kee-Fung K, Furey B, Garel J, Ghandehari H. Canadian Association of Radiologists Obstetrics and Gynecology Diagnostic Imaging Referral Guideline. Can Assoc Radiol J 2024; 75:261-268. [PMID: 37624360 DOI: 10.1177/08465371231185292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Obstetrics and Gynecology Expert Panel consists of radiologists specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, obstetrics and gynecology physicians, a patient advisor, and an epidemiologist/guideline methodologist. After developing a list of 12 clinical/diagnostic scenarios, a systematic rapid scoping review was undertaken to identify systematically produced referral guidelines that provide recommendations for one or more of these clinical/diagnostic scenarios. Recommendations from 46 guidelines and contextualization criteria in the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) for guidelines framework were used to develop 68 recommendation statements across the 12 scenarios related to the evaluation of obstetrics and gynecology clinical and diagnostic scenarios. This guideline presents the methods of development and the imaging recommendations for a variety of obstetrical and gynecological conditions including pregnancy assessment, recurrent first trimester pregnancy loss, post-partum indications, disorders of menstruation, localization of intra-uterine contraceptive device, infertility assessment, assessment of adnexal mass, pelvic pain of presumed gynecological origin, and pelvic floor evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candyce Hamel
- Canadian Association of Radiologists, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Barb Avard
- North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Beth Furey
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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15
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Justman N, Goldfreind R, Abu-Rass H, Siegler Y, Shahak G, Wolfovitz A, Ginsberg Y, Zipori Y, Khatib N, Weiner Z, Vitner D. Risk Factors for Prolonged Intertwin Delivery Interval and Associated Maternal and Second Twin Morbidity. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2587-e2592. [PMID: 37557897 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1772229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This work aimed to identify possible risk factors and the morbidity associated with prolonged intertwin delivery interval (IDI). STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary care center. Women with twin gestations who reached the second stage of labor between January 2010 and December 2019 were included in the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between short IDI (≤15 minutes) and prolonged IDI (>15 minutes). The primary outcome was the rate of 5-minute Apgar score ≤ 7. RESULTS A total of 461 women were included; 312 of whom were in the short IDI group and 149 were in the prolonged IDI group. Rates of 5-minute Apgar score ≤ 7 and neonatal acidemia were significantly higher in the prolonged IDI group (3.5 vs. 9.7%, p = 0.008; 4.3 vs. 15.7%, p = 0.01, respectively). Vaginal delivery was less likely to occur in the prolonged IDI group (75.8 vs. 93.3%). Placental abruption and hemoglobin drop ≥ 3 g/dL were more prevalent in the prolonged IDI group (4 vs. 1%, p = 0.03; 39.1 vs. 24.7%, p = 0.01, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, age ≥ 30 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.76, p = 0.01), nulliparity (aOR: 1.66, p = 0.03), and birth weight ratio ≥ 1.2 (aOR: 1.92, p < 0.05) were associated with prolonged IDI. CONCLUSION Prolonged IDI is associated with an increased risk for neonatal acidemia and low 5-minute Apgar score, and with an increased rate of cesarean delivery, placental abruption, and hemoglobin drop ≥ 3 g/dL. Advanced maternal age, nulliparity, and twin birth weight ratio ≥ 1.2 are associated with prolonged IDI. KEY POINTS · Prolonged was found to be associated with higher neonatal acidemia and lower 5-minute Apgar score.. · Prolonged IDI is also associated with increased rate of cesarean delivery, placental abruption, and blood loss.. · Advanced maternal age, birth weight discordancy, and nulliparity were associated with prolonged IDI..
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Affiliation(s)
- Naphtali Justman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Roee Goldfreind
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hiba Abu-Rass
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yoav Siegler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gilad Shahak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Amir Wolfovitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yuval Ginsberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yaniv Zipori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nizar Khatib
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Zeev Weiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dana Vitner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Li X, Han J, Zhang J, Jiang H, Wu Q. Intra-abdominal umbilical venous diameter and abdominal circumference discordance at 15-20 weeks' gestation: simple markers in transverse abdominal plane to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in monochorionic diamniotic twins. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:1951-1958. [PMID: 37306740 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07085-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the association between simple markers in fetal abdominal plane, intra-abdominal umbilical venous diameter (DIUV) and abdominal circumference (AC) discordance at 15-20 weeks' gestation, and adverse pregnancy outcomes in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of MCDA twins with two live fetuses examined at 15-20 weeks from Jun 2020 to Dec 2021 at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Measurement of fetal AC and DIUV was performed according to standard protocols. Twin pregnancies with major fetal structural anomalies, chromosomal abnormalities, miscarriage, and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence were excluded. DIUV and AC discordance in MCDA twins with an adverse pregnancy outcome was compared with a normal pregnancy outcome. Furthermore, the performance of DIUV and AC discordance in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in MCDA twins was assessed. RESULTS A total of 105 women with MCDA twin pregnancies were enrolled, contributing 179 visits. Adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in 33.3% (35/105) of cases in our study. The intra-observer and inter-observer intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of both AC and DIUV were very good or excellent. There was no statistical difference in AC and DIUV discordance (%) between 15-16, 17-18, and 19-20 weeks (χ2 = 3.928, P = 0.140; χ2 = 2.840, P = 0.242). Both AC and DIUV discordance were greater in twins with adverse pregnancy outcomes than that in twins with normal pregnancy outcome at each pregnancy periods. Both AC discordance (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3) and DIUV discordance (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.2) were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The AUC for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes by AC discordance was 0.75 (95% CI 0.68-0.83), with a sensitivity of 58.7% (95% CI 51.9-64.5) and a specificity of 86.2% (95% CI 81.7-88.4). The AUC for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes by DIUV was 0.78 (95% CI 0.70-0.86), with sensitivity and specificity of 65.1% (95% CI 58.1-70.3) and 86.2% (95% CI 81.7-88.4), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The AC discordance and DIUV discordance could predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in MCDA twins. When these simple markers occurred, intensive surveillance was recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 251 Yaojiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Jijing Han
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 251 Yaojiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 251 Yaojiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Haili Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qingqing Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 251 Yaojiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100026, China.
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Mustafa HJ, Aghajani F, Patrick E, Baerz MM, Arias‐Sánchez P, Khalil A. Perinatal outcomes following fetoscopic laser surgery for early twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:824-831. [PMID: 38415823 PMCID: PMC11019523 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our objective was to investigate outcomes in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated with fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) at <18 weeks vs ≥18 weeks, and to conduct subgroup analysis of TTTS with FLS at <16 weeks vs 16-18 weeks. MATERIAL AND METHODS PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched systematically from inception until May 2023. Primary outcome was survival, and secondary outcomes included preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), preterm birth and gestational age (GA) at delivery. RESULTS Nine studies encompassing 1691 TTTS pregnancies were included. TTTS stage III was significantly more common in TTTS pregnancies treated with FLS at <18 weeks (odds ratio [OR] 2.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-6.54), and procedure duration was shorter at <18 weeks (MD -5.27 minutes, 95% CI -9.19 to -1.34). GA at delivery was significantly earlier in TTTS pregnancies treated with FLS at <18 weeks (MD -3.12 weeks, 95% CI -6.11 to -0.13). There were no significant differences in outcomes, including PPROM, PPROM at <7 days post-FLS, preterm birth at <28 and <32 weeks, delivery at <7 days post-FLS, and survival outcomes, including fetal demise, live birth and neonatal survival. Similarly, TTTS stage III was more common in TTTS with FLS at <16 weeks than at 16-18 weeks (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.62-5.35), with no significant differences in the aforementioned outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In early TTTS treated with FLS, outcomes were comparable between those treated at <18 weeks compared with ≥18 weeks except for GA at delivery, which was 3 weeks earlier. In the subset treated at <16 weeks vs 16-18 weeks, the procedure was feasible without an increased risk of very early preterm birth or perinatal mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba J. Mustafa
- Division of Maternal‐Fetal MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
- The Fetal Center at Riley Children's and Indiana University HealthIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Faezeh Aghajani
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de DéuUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Elise Patrick
- Indiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Maryam M. Baerz
- School of MedicineIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | | | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's HospitalSt George's University of LondonLondonUK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research InstituteSt George's University of LondonLondonUK
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Ortiz JU, Guggenberger J, Graupner O, Ostermayer E, Kuschel B, Lobmaier SM. The Outcome after Laser Therapy of Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies Complicated by Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome with Coexistent Selective Fetal Growth Restriction. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2432. [PMID: 38673705 PMCID: PMC11051450 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Most previous studies evaluated outcomes of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) without considering the coexistence of selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR). The objectives of this study were to compare twin survival and pregnancy complications after laser therapy of TTTS with and without sFGR. Methods: For this purpose, a retrospective cohort study including 98 monochorionic diamniotic twins and three dichorionic triamniotic triplets treated in a single tertiary center was conducted. Results: Overall, 46 twins had selective fetal growth restriction (26 type I, 13 type II, 7 type III). At birth, donor survival (61% vs. 91%), double survival (57% vs. 82%), and overall survival (75% vs. 88%) were significantly lower in the group with coexistent sFGR. Recipient survival (89% vs. 86%), miscarriage (7% vs. 2%), PPROM < 32 weeks (48% vs. 29%), and preterm delivery < 32 weeks (52% vs. 45%) were not significantly higher in the group with coexistent sFGR. Donor twins with sFGR type I (69% vs. 91%) and types II-III (50% vs. 91%) showed significantly lower survival than those without sFGR. Multivariate regression analysis identified sFGR and its subtypes as independent predictors of donor demise. Conclusions: the coexistence of sFGR in TTTS pregnancies was associated with poor donor outcomes and is probably the most important predictor of donor survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier U. Ortiz
- Division of Obstetrics and Perinatal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675 Munich, Germany; (J.G.); (O.G.); (E.O.); (B.K.); (S.M.L.)
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19
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Reyna-Villasmil E, Briceño-Pérez C, Briceño-Sanabria JC. Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:531-538. [PMID: 35263768 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a typical complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies (MCTP). Placental vessels that communicate in the chorionic plate between donor and recipient, are responsible for the imbalance of blood flow. Circulatory imbalance causes hypovolemia in donor and hypervolemia in recipient fetus. In a typical case, recipient fetus develops polyhydramnios, weight gain, cardiomegaly and hydrops fetalis. In contrast, donor fetus develops oligohydramnios and fetal growth restriction. AIM The objective of this review is to evaluate in detail the main diagnostic aspects and add other important data for diagnosis of TTTS. SCIENTIFIC BASES The main diagnostic event for this condition is based on the ultrasonographic discovery of oligohydramnios-polyhydramnios sequence. Other useful elements for diagnosis, staging and prognosis are fetal urinary bladder visualization, urinary bladder volumen measurements, edema of subcutaneous and/or generalized tissue edema, Doppler flow velocity waves and cardiac evaluation. CONCLUSION Considerations regarding diagnosis of TTTS make it possible to emphasize that role of physicians treating patients with MCTP is to identify ultrasound sequence of oligohydramnios-polyhydramnios. Other ultrasonographic fetal data as fetal urinary bladder visualization, urinary bladder volumen measurements, edema of subcutaneous and/or generalized tissue edema, Doppler flow velocity waves and cardiac evaluation; may help diagnosis, staging and prognosis of TTTS. It is their responsibility to accurately assess severity, therapeutic possibilities and prognosis. KEY POINTS · The role of physicians treating patients with MCTP, regarding diagnosis of TTTS, must be to identify ultrasound sequence of oligohydramnios-polyhydramnios.. · Other ultrasonographic fetal data may help diagnosis, staging, and prognosis of TTTS as follows: fetal urinary bladder visualization, urinary bladder volume measurements, edema of subcutaneous and/or generalized tissue edema, Doppler flow velocity waves, and cardiac evaluation.. · It is physicians' responsibility to accurately assess severity, therapeutic possibilities, and prognosis of patients with MCTP and diagnosis of TTTS..
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D'Antonio F, Eltaweel N, D'Amico A, Khalil A. Role of cerclage in twin and singleton pregnancy: evidence from systematic review and meta-analysis. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:567-569. [PMID: 37983619 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- F D'Antonio
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - N Eltaweel
- Division of Biomedical Science, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - A D'Amico
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - A Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George's Hospital, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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21
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Ge I, Meschede J, Juhasz-Boess I, Kunze M, Markfeld-Erol F. Does structured obstetric management play a role in the delivery mode and neonatal outcome of twin pregnancies? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:1441-1452. [PMID: 37115274 PMCID: PMC10894101 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07040-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE While the optimal delivery method of twin pregnancies is debated, the rate of cesarean deliveries is increasing. This retrospective study evaluates delivery methods and neonatal outcome of twin pregnancies during two time periods and aims to identify predictive factors for the delivery outcome. METHODS 553 twin pregnancies were identified in the institutional database of the University Women's Hospital Freiburg, Germany. 230 and 323 deliveries occurred in period I (2009-2014) and period II (2015-2021), respectively. Cesarean births due to non-vertex position of the first fetus were excluded. In period II, the management of twin pregnancies was reviewed; adjusted and systematic training with standardized procedures was implemented. RESULTS Period II showed significantly lower rates of planned cesarean deliveries (44.0% vs. 63.5%, p < 0.0001) and higher rates of vaginal deliveries (68% vs. 52.4%, p = 0.02). Independent risk factors for primary cesarean delivery were period I, maternal age > 40 years, nulliparity, a history with a previous cesarean, gestational age < 37 completed weeks, monochorionicity and increasing birth weight difference (per 100 g or > 20%). Predictive factors for successful vaginal delivery were previous vaginal delivery gestational age between 34 and 36 weeks and vertex/vertex presentation of the fetuses. The neonatal outcomes of period I and II were not significantly different, but planned cesareans in general were associated with increased admission rates to the neonatal intensive care units. Inter-twin interval had no significant impact on neonatal outcome. CONCLUSION Structured regular training of obstetrical procedures may significantly reduce high cesarean rates and increase the benefit-risk ratio of vaginal deliveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabell Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Breast Center, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Julia Meschede
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ingolf Juhasz-Boess
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mirjam Kunze
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Filiz Markfeld-Erol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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22
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De Vito M, Cetraro J, Capannolo G, Alameddine S, Patelli C, D'Antonio F, Rizzo G. Cervical length as a screening tool for preterm birth in twin pregnancies: a systematic review and critical evaluation of quality clinical practice guidelines. J Perinat Med 2024; 52:262-269. [PMID: 38105222 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2023-0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Twin pregnancies are at increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) compared to singletons. Evaluation of cervical length (CL) represents the optimal tool to screen PTB in singleton. Conversely, there is less evidence on the use of CL in twins. Our aim was to evaluate the methodological quality and clinical heterogeneity of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on the CL application in twins using AGREE II methodology. METHODS MEDLINE, Scopus, and websites of the main scientific societies were examined. The following aspects were evaluated: diagnostic accuracy of CL, optimal gestational age at assessment and interventions in twin pregnancies with reduced CL. The quality of the published CPGs was carried out using "The Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and Evaluation (AGREE II)" tool. The quality of guideline was rated using a scoring system. Each considered item was evaluated by the reviewers on a seven-point scale that ranges from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). A cut-off >60 % identifies a CPGs as recommended. RESULTS The AGREE II standardized domain scores for the first overall assessment had a mean of 74 %. The score was more than 60 % in the 66.6 % of CPGs analyzed indicating an agreement between the reviewers on recommending the use of these CPGs. A significant heterogeneity was found; there was no specific recommendation on CL assessment in about half of the published CPGs. There was also significant heterogeneity on the CL cut-off to prompt intervention. CONCLUSIONS Despite the fact that the AGREE II analysis showed that the majority of the included guidelines are of good quality, there was a significant heterogeneity among CPGs as regard as the indication, timing, and cut-off of CL in twins as well as in the indication of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika De Vito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Cetraro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Capannolo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università di Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sara Alameddine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università di Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Chiara Patelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco D'Antonio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università di Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rizzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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23
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Yang L, Zhou Y, Qiu J, Lin N, Gu N, Dai Y. Birth weight discordance and adverse neonatal outcomes in appropriately grown premature twins. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27057. [PMID: 38463868 PMCID: PMC10920362 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of birth weight discordant twins (BWDT) who were premature and appropriate-for-gestational-age or large-for-gestational-age. Additionally, it assessed the impact of birth weight discordance on the prognosis of appropriately grown premature twins, and investigated the effect of maternal factors on neonatal outcomes. Study design This retrospective cohort study included twins who were born alive after preterm labor at the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021, along with their mothers. Twins were arranged into discordant and concordant groups according to intertwin birth weight discordance, followed by the analysis of the clinical characteristics of mothers and the prognosis of neonates. Results A total of 585 mothers and 1170 neonates were included, with 47 mothers and 94 neonates in the discordant group. The incidence of birth weight discordance was 8.0% (94/1,170) in appropriately grown premature twins. The incidence of complications (43.2% vs. 21.8%) and transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (53.2% vs. 29.2%) was higher in the discordant group than in the concordant group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of infectious diseases (36.7% vs. 19.4%), necrotizing enterocolitis (7.6% vs. 1.6%), and oxygen therapy rate (22.8% vs. 12.8%) were statistically significantly higher in the discordant group than in the concordant group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Birth weight discordance remains a high-risk factor for complications and transfer to the NICU in appropriately grown premature twins. It is important to pay attention to birth weight discordance when the outcomes of twins are assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yang
- Department of Neonatology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Qiu
- Department of Neonatology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nacheng Lin
- Department of Neonatology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ning Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yimin Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
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Krispin E, Javinani A, Odibo A, Carreras E, Emery SP, Sepulveda Gonzalez G, Habli M, Hecher K, Ishii K, Miller J, Papanna R, Johnson A, Khalil A, Kilby MD, Lewi L, Bennasar Sans M, Otaño L, Zaretsky MV, Sananes N, Turan OM, Slaghekke F, Stirnemann J, Van Mieghem T, Welsh AW, Yoav Y, Chmait R, Shamshirsaz AA. Consensus protocol for management of early and late twin-twin transfusion syndrome: Delphi study. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:371-377. [PMID: 37553800 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) is a well-established treatment for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) between 16 and 26 weeks' gestation. High-quality evidence and guidelines regarding the optimal clinical management of very early (prior to 16 weeks), early (between 16 and 18 weeks) and late (after 26 weeks) TTTS are lacking. The aim of this study was to construct a structured expert-based clinical consensus for the management of early and late TTTS. METHODS A Delphi procedure was conducted among an international panel of experts. Participants were chosen based on their clinical expertise, affiliation and relevant publications. A four-round Delphi survey was conducted using an online platform and responses were collected anonymously. In the first round, a core group of experts was asked to answer open-ended questions regarding the indications, timing and modes of treatment for early and late TTTS. In the second and third rounds, participants were asked to grade each statement on a Likert scale (1, completely disagree; 5, completely agree) and to add any suggestions or modifications. At the end of each round, the median score for each statement was calculated. Statements with a median grade of 5 without suggestions for change were accepted as the consensus. Statements with a median grade of 3 or less were excluded from the Delphi process. Statements with a median grade of 4 were modified according to suggestions and reconsidered in the next round. In the last round, participants were asked to agree or disagree with the statements, and those with more than 70% agreement without suggestions for change were considered the consensus. RESULTS A total of 122 experts met the inclusion criteria and were invited to participate, of whom 53 (43.4%) agreed to take part in the study. Of those, 75.5% completed all four rounds. A consensus on the optimal management of early and late TTTS was obtained. FLP can be offered as early as 15 weeks' gestation for selected cases, and can be considered up to 28 weeks. Between 16 and 18 weeks, management should be tailored according to Doppler findings. CONCLUSIONS A consensus-based treatment protocol for early and late TTTS was agreed upon by a panel of experts. This protocol should be modified at the discretion of the operator, according to their experience and the specific demands of each case. This should advance the quality of future studies, guide clinical practice and improve patient care. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Krispin
- Maternal Fetal Care Center (MFCC), Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Javinani
- Maternal Fetal Care Center (MFCC), Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Odibo
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - E Carreras
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S P Emery
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - G Sepulveda Gonzalez
- Instituto de Salud Fetal (ISF), Hospital Regional Materno Infantil, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, México
| | - M Habli
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fetal Care Center of Cincinnati, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - K Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - K Ishii
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Osaka, Japan
| | - J Miller
- The Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - R Papanna
- Fetal Center, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A Johnson
- Fetal Center, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - M D Kilby
- Fetal Medicine Center, Birmingham Women's and Children's Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Illumina UK, Great Abbington, Cambridge, UK
| | - L Lewi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Bennasar Sans
- BCNatal, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center, Hospital Clínic i Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Otaño
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Obstetric Division, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Instituto Universitario Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M V Zaretsky
- Colorado Fetal Care Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - N Sananes
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- Inserm 1121 'Biomaterials and Bioengineering', Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - O M Turan
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - F Slaghekke
- Department of Obstetrics, Fetal Medicine Unit, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J Stirnemann
- Department of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - T Van Mieghem
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - A W Welsh
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Hospital for Women, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Y Yoav
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - R Chmait
- Los Angeles Fetal Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - A A Shamshirsaz
- Maternal Fetal Care Center (MFCC), Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Soni S, Gebb J, Miller K, Oliver ER, Teefey CP, Moldenhauer JS, Khalek N. Predictors of Poor Outcomes in Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancies Complicated by Selective Fetal Growth Restriction. Fetal Diagn Ther 2024; 51:300-309. [PMID: 38368864 DOI: 10.1159/000537861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to identify predictors of poor outcomes in monochorionic diamniotic twin (MCDA) pregnancies with selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR), irrespective of the umbilical artery (UA) Doppler abnormalities. METHODS Single-center retrospective analysis of MCDA twins diagnosed with sFGR that opted for expectant management between 2010 and 2021. The presence of any of the following variables in the growth-restricted fetus: low amniotic fluid volume (DVP ≤2 cm), lack of a cycling bladder, absent or reversed flow in the ductus venosus (DV) with atrial contraction, and elevated middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) defined as ≥1.50 multiples of the median was categorized as complicated. sFGR cases were classified as simple in the absence of the above-mentioned variables. RESULTS Overall, 63.3% of cases qualified as simple, and 36.7% were complicated. Intertwin EFW discordance was higher in the complicated category (26 vs. 33%, p = 0.0002). The median gestational age at delivery was earlier (33 weeks vs. 30.5 weeks, p = 0.002), and the likelihood of survival was lower in the complicated category (p < 0.0001). The likelihood of two survivors to discharge was lower in type I complicated cases (70% in complicated type I vs. 97.1% in simple type I, p = 0.0003). On logistic regression analysis, an increase in the "complicated" score negatively correlated with two survivors to discharge (p < 0.0001). An ROC curve was created, and the AUC was 0.79. Increasing intertwin EFW discordance also decreased the probability of two survivors to discharge. CONCLUSION The presence of oligohydramnios, lack of a cycling bladder, abnormal DV Doppler, and elevated MCA-PSV in the growth restricted fetus is associated with poor perinatal outcomes and a lower likelihood of having two survivors to discharge. The addition of intertwin EFW discordance to these variables helped improve the survival predictability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly Soni
- Richard D. Wood Jr Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Juliana Gebb
- Richard D. Wood Jr Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kendra Miller
- Richard D. Wood Jr Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edward R Oliver
- Richard D. Wood Jr Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina Paidas Teefey
- Richard D. Wood Jr Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Julie S Moldenhauer
- Richard D. Wood Jr Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nahla Khalek
- Richard D. Wood Jr Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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D'antonio F, Prasad S, Masciullo L, Eltaweel N, Khalil A. Selective fetal growth restriction in dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis of pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:164-172. [PMID: 37519089 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most of the published literature on selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) has focused on monochorionic twin pregnancies. The aim of this systematic review was to report on the outcome of dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies complicated by sFGR. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were DCDA twin pregnancies complicated by sFGR. The outcomes explored were intrauterine death (IUD), neonatal death and perinatal death (PND), survival of at least one and both twins, preterm birth (PTB) (either spontaneous or iatrogenic) prior to 37, 34, 32 and 28 weeks' gestation, pre-eclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension, neurological, respiratory and infectious morbidity, Apgar score < 7 at 5 min, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A composite outcome of neonatal morbidity, defined as the occurrence of respiratory, neurological or infectious morbidity, was also evaluated. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to analyze the data, and results are reported as pooled proportion or odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI. RESULTS Thirteen studies reporting on 1339 pregnancies with sFGR and 6316 pregnancies without sFGR were included. IUD occurred in 2.6% (95% CI, 1.1-4.7%) of fetuses from DCDA pregnancies with sFGR and 0.6% (95% CI, 0.3-9.7%) of those from DCDA pregnancies without sFGR, while the respective values for PND were 5.2% (95% CI, 3.5-7.3%) and 1.7% (95% CI, 0.1-5.7%). Spontaneous or iatrogenic PTB before 37 weeks complicated 84.1% (95% CI, 55.6-99.2%) of pregnancies with sFGR and 69.1% (95% CI, 45.4-88.4%) of those without sFGR. The respective values for PTB before 34, 32 and 28 weeks were 18.4% (95% CI, 4.4-38.9%), 13.0% (95% CI, 9.5-17.1%) and 1.5% (95% CI, 0.6-2.3%) in pregnancies with sFGR and 10.2% (95% CI, 3.1-20.7%), 7.8% (95% CI, 6.8-9.0%) and 1.8% (95% CI, 1.3-2.4%) in those without sFGR. PE or gestational hypertension complicated 19.9% (95% CI, 12.4-28.6%) of pregnancies with sFGR and 12.8% (95% CI, 10.4-15.4%) of those without sFGR. Composite morbidity occurred in 28.2% (95% CI, 7.8-55.1%) of fetuses from pregnancies with sFGR and 13.9% (95% CI, 6.5-23.5%) of those from pregnancies without sFGR. When stratified according to the sFGR status within a twin pair, composite morbidity occurred in 39.0% (95% CI, 11.1-71.5%) of growth-restricted fetuses and 29.9% (95% CI, 3.5-65.0%) of appropriately grown fetuses (OR, 1.9 (95% CI, 1.7-3.1)), while the respective values for PND were 3.0% (95% CI, 1.8-4.5%) and 1.6% (95% CI, 0.9-2.6%) (OR, 2.1 (95% CI, 1.0-4.1)). On risk analysis, DCDA pregnancies complicated by sFGR had a significantly higher risk of IUD (OR, 5.2 (95% CI, 3.2-8.6)) and composite morbidity or admission to the NICU (OR, 3.2 (95% CI, 1.9-5.6)) compared to those without sFGR, while there was no difference in the risk of PTB before 34 weeks (P = 0.220) or PE/gestational hypertension (P = 0.210). CONCLUSIONS DCDA twin pregnancies complicated by sFGR are at high risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The findings of this systematic review are relevant for counseling and management of complicated DCDA twin pregnancies, in which twin-specific, rather than singleton, outcome data should be used. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- F D'antonio
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - S Prasad
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George's University Hospital, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - L Masciullo
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George's University Hospital, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - N Eltaweel
- Division of Biomedical Science, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - A Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George's University Hospital, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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de Jesus Cruz J, Bernardeco J, Rijo C, Cohen A, Serrano F. Hepatic arterial buffer response: activation in donor fetuses and the effect of laser ablation of intertwin anastomosis. J Perinat Med 2024; 52:71-75. [PMID: 37850825 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2023-0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatic arterial buffer response (HABR) is an important defence mechanism for maintaining liver blood flow. It is suspected that HABR is active in monochorionic diamniotic twins (MCDA) with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) where donor compensates a setting of volume depletion and the recipient an overload. The present study investigates whether in TTTS, HABR is active in donor and/or recipient individually and try to determine if the activation of HABR is a direct response to TTTS. METHODS Hepatic artery (HA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) was measured in normal MCDA fetuses and TTTS. Correlation with relevant fetal Dopplers and characteristics were determined. Z-scores for HA-PSV (HAV-Z) were calculated and its association with TTTS in donors and recipients were determined as well as changes in HAV-Z after laser treatment. RESULTS In this study 118 MCDA were included, 61.9 % normal and 38.1 % TTTS. Of the TTTS 22 required laser treatment. A total of 382 scans were performed in normal group and 155 in TTTS. Our data demonstrates that in donors HAV-Z was 2.4 Z-scores higher compared to normal fetuses (β=2.429 95 % CI 1.887, 2.971; p<0.001) and after laser treatment HAV-Z reduced (β=-1.829 95 % CI -2.593, -1.064; p<0.001). There was no significant difference between recipients and normal (β=-0.092 95 % CI -0.633, 0.449; p=0.738). CONCLUSIONS HABR is active in TTTS, promoting an increased hepatic blood flow in donors. The activation is direct response to TTTS as shown by the reduction in HAV-Z after laser. This finding provides important insights into the pathophysiology of TTTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jader de Jesus Cruz
- Department of Fetal Medicine, Central Lisbon University Hospitals, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Bernardeco
- Department of Fetal Medicine, Central Lisbon University Hospitals, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Claudia Rijo
- Department of Fetal Medicine, Central Lisbon University Hospitals, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alvaro Cohen
- Department of Fetal Medicine, Central Lisbon University Hospitals, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fatima Serrano
- Department of Obstetrics, Central Lisbon University Hospitals, Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Chimenea A, García-Díaz L, Antiñolo G. Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome After Selective Fetoscopic Laser Therapy for Stage I Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2024:99228241227087. [PMID: 38269530 DOI: 10.1177/00099228241227087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication in monochorionic (MC) pregnancies. Fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) is the primary treatment for advanced TTTS, but managing Quintero stage I TTTS is still controversial. We conducted an observational study evaluating the 2-year neurodevelopment of fetuses, which underwent FLS for stage I TTTS, compared with advanced TTTS and uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic twins (MCDTs). The study included 156 children: 14 in stage I TTTS group, 28 in advanced TTTS group, and 114 in uncomplicated twin group. In stage I TTTS, 92.9% showed normal neurodevelopment, with no severe neurological impairments observed. These results were comparable with uncomplicated twins (92.1% normal neurodevelopment, P = .921, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.42-5.79; 1.8% severe impairment, P = .617). Advanced TTTS had a non-significant lower rate of normal neurodevelopment (89.3%, P = .710, aOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 0.12-14.87). In conclusion, FLS for stage I TTTS shows favorable long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, similar to uncomplicated MC pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Chimenea
- Department of Materno-Fetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Fetal, IVF and Reproduction Simulation Training Centre, Seville, Spain
| | - Lutgardo García-Díaz
- Department of Materno-Fetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Department of Surgery, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Guillermo Antiñolo
- Department of Materno-Fetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Fetal, IVF and Reproduction Simulation Training Centre, Seville, Spain
- Department of Surgery, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases, Seville, Spain
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Zou G, Ji Q, Chen J, Zhang L, Sun Q, Shi Y, Yang Y, Zhou F, Wei X, Sun L. Perinatal outcome and timing of selective fetal reduction in dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies: a single-center retrospective study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1327191. [PMID: 38293300 PMCID: PMC10824961 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1327191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The study aimed to evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies that were reduced to singletons at different gestational ages. Study design This was a retrospective cohort study of twin pregnancies that underwent fetal reduction to singletons in a single tertiary referral center between 2011 and 2020. A total of 433 cases were included. The cohort was divided into five groups according to gestational age at surgery: Group A: <16 weeks (125 cases); Group B: 16-19+6 weeks (80 cases); Group C: 20-23+6 weeks (74 cases); Group D: 24-26+6 weeks (48 cases); and Group E: ≥27 weeks (106 cases). Outcome data were obtained by reviewing the electronic medical records or interviews. Results Selective reduction was technically successful. The clinical characteristics of the population were not different. The overall live birth rate and the survival rate were 96.5 and 95.4%, respectively. Although the rate of spontaneous miscarriage was comparable, gestational age at delivery significantly differed among groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a trend that gestational age at delivery decreased with the increasing gestational age at surgery in Groups A, B, C, and D, whereas gestational age at delivery in Group E was later than that in Group D. In Groups A, B, C, and D, the rates of preterm birth at <32 weeks and <34 weeks increased with the increasing gestational age at surgery, while the rates in Group E were significantly lower than that in Group D. Regression analysis showed that timing of reduction may be an independent factor after adjusting for maternal age, parity, pre-pregnancy BMI, ART, and cervical length. Conclusion Selective reduction performed by experienced hands for a dizygotic abnormal twin is safe and effective. Gestational age at surgery (<26+6 weeks) was inversely correlated with gestational age at delivery and positively with the rate of preterm birth. Reduction after 27 weeks, where legal, can be performed with a good outcome for the retained fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luming Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Pietruski P, Kosińska-Kaczyńska K, Osińska A, Zgliczyńska M, Żebrowska K, Popko K, Stelmaszczyk-Emmel A. Maternal plasma angiotensin 1-7 concentration is related to twin pregnancy chorionicity in the third trimester of pregnancy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1329025. [PMID: 38260128 PMCID: PMC10800553 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1329025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Twin gestation is related to a higher risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy with possible risk stratification depending on chorionicity. It may be related to differences in plasma renin-angiotensin-aldosterone components between monochorionic and dichorionic twin pregnancies. The study aimed to analyze the plasma ANG II and ANG 1-7 concentrations in women with monochorionic and dichorionic twin gestation. Methods A prospective observational study included 79 women between 32 and 34 weeks of gestation with twin pregnancy (31 with monochorionic gestation and 48 with dichorionic gestation). Angiotensin II and angiotensin 1-7 concentrations were measured in the collected blood samples. Results No significant differences were observed in angiotensin II concentrations between the dichorionic and monochorionic group with significantly higher levels of angiotensin 1-7 being observed in the dichorionic group. Angiotensin 1-7 level was higher than angiotensin II in 20 women (64.5%) in the monochorionic group and in 42 women (87.5%, p=0.01) in the dichorionic group. Higher plasma concentrations of angiotensin II and lower concentrations of angiotensin 1-7 were found in 5 women with gestational hypertension and in 3 with preeclampsia compared to normotensive women. Discussion It is the first study investigating angiotensin II and angiotensin 1-7 in twin pregnancies regarding chorionicity. Our results showed that plasma angiotensin 1-7 concentration was related to chorionicity, while plasma angiotensin II level was not. In most women with twin gestation angiotensin 1-7 concentration exceeded the concentration of angiotensin II. A switch in the relation between angiotensin II and angiotensin 1-7 was observed in hypertensive pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Pietruski
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatology and Neonatology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kosińska-Kaczyńska
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatology and Neonatology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Osińska
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatology and Neonatology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zgliczyńska
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatology and Neonatology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kinga Żebrowska
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatology and Neonatology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Popko
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics and Clinical Immunology of Developmental Age, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Stelmaszczyk-Emmel
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics and Clinical Immunology of Developmental Age, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Jia Y, Liang X, Liu L, Ma H, Xu C, Zeng J, Xu R, Ye L, Xie L. Trends in research related to fetal therapy from 2012 to 2022: a bibliometric analysis. Front Pediatr 2024; 11:1288660. [PMID: 38293659 PMCID: PMC10826513 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1288660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The development of prenatal diagnosis technology allows prompt detection of severe fetal diseases. To address adverse factors that threaten fetal survival, fetal therapy came into existence, which aims to preserve the function after birth to a higher degree and improve the quality of life. Objective To conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of studies on fetal therapy in the past decade and explore the research trends and hotspots in this field. Methods We conducted a systematic search on the Web of Science Core Collection to retrieve studies related to fetal therapy published from 2012 to 2022. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze the key features of studies, including annual output, countries/regions, institutions, authors, references, research hotspots, and frontiers. Results A total of 9,715 articles were included after eliminating duplicates. The annual distribution of the number of articles showed that the number of articles published in fetal therapy had increased in the past decade. Countries and institutions showed that fetal therapy is more mature in the United States. Author analysis showed the core investigators in the field. Keyword analysis showed the clustering and emergence frequency, which helped summarize the research results and frontier hotspots in this field. The cocited references were sorted out to determine the literature with a high ranking of fetal therapy in recent years, and the research trend in recent years was analyzed. Conclusions This study reveals that countries, institutions, and researchers should promote wider cooperation and establish multicenter research cooperation in fetal therapy research. Moreover, fetal therapy has been gradually explored from traditional surgical treatment to gene therapy and stem cell therapy. In recent years, fetoscopic laser surgery, guideline, and magnetic resonance imaging have become the research hotspots in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Jia
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoling Liang
- Department of Ultrasound, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lini Liu
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huixi Ma
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chenhao Xu
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingyuan Zeng
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rong Xu
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Ye
- Department of Ultrasound, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Linjun Xie
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Khalil A, Sotiriadis A, D'Antonio F, Da Silva Costa F, Odibo A, Prefumo F, Papageorghiou AT, Salomon LJ. ISUOG Practice Guidelines: performance of third-trimester obstetric ultrasound scan. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:131-147. [PMID: 38166001 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- A Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - A Sotiriadis
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - F D'Antonio
- Centre for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - F Da Silva Costa
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital, and School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - A Odibo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - F Prefumo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - A T Papageorghiou
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, UK; Nuffield Department for Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - L J Salomon
- URP FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Maternité, Obstétrique, Médecine, Chirurgie et Imagerie Foetales, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Kalafat E, Liu B, Barratt I, Bhate R, Papageorghiou A, Khalil A. Risk factors associated with stillbirth and adverse perinatal outcomes in dichorionic twin pregnancies complicated by selective fetal growth restriction: a cohort study. BJOG 2024; 131:189-198. [PMID: 37308720 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main aim of this study was to investigate the perinatal outcomes of dichorionic twin pregnancies complicated by selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Tertiary reference centre. POPULATION Dichorionic twin pregnancies complicated by sFGR between 2000 and 2019 in St George's University Hospital. METHODS Regression analyses were performed using generalised linear models and mixed-effects generalised linear models where appropriate to account for pregnancy level dependency in variables. Time to event analyses were performed with mixed-effects Cox regression models. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Stillbirth, neonatal death or neonatal unit admission with morbidity in one or both twins. RESULTS A total of 102 (of 2431 dichorionic twin pregnancies) pregnancies complicated by sFGR were included in the study. The Cochrane-Armitage test revealed a significant trend for increased adverse perinatal outcome rates with more severe forms of umbilical artery flow impedance, i.e. reversed, absent, positive with resistant flow and positive flow without resistance. A multivariable model including maternal and conception characteristics had poor predictive accuracy for stillbirth (area under the curve: 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55-0.81) and composite adverse perinatal outcomes (area under the curve: 0.58, 95% CI 0.47-0.70). When umbilical artery Doppler parameters were added to the models, the area under the curve values improved to 0.95 (95% CI 0.89-0.99) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.73-0.92) for stillbirth and composite adverse perinatal outcomes, respectively. CONCLUSION In dichorionic twin pregnancies complicated by sFGR, the umbilical artery Z-scores were associated with both intrauterine death and adverse perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Kalafat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Becky Liu
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals, London, UK
- Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George's University Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Imogen Barratt
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Rohan Bhate
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals, London, UK
- Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George's University Hospitals, London, UK
| | | | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals, London, UK
- Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George's University Hospitals, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
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Kawaguchi H, Kuritani Y, Yamamoto R, Hayashi S, Ishii K. Neonatal respiratory complications in twins at 36-38 weeks of gestation. Pediatr Int 2024; 66:e15767. [PMID: 38924178 DOI: 10.1111/ped.15767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twin pregnancies are associated with a high risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Late preterm or early term delivery is frequently performed to avoid unexpected fetal death in uncomplicated twin pregnancies. Nonetheless, delivery before full term is associated with neonatal respiratory complications. This study aimed to evaluate perinatal respiratory complications in twins delivered between 36 and 38 weeks of gestation. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted on twins delivered between 36 and 38 weeks of gestation from January 2008 to June 2020. The primary outcomes were the incidence of composite neonatal respiratory morbidity, which included respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, meconium aspiration syndrome, mechanical ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure according to gestational age at delivery, and chorionicity. The relationship between gestational age at delivery and composite neonatal respiratory morbidity was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS This study included 1608 twins (614 monochorionic diamniotic twins, 994 dichorionic diamniotic twins). At 36, 37, and 38 weeks of gestation, the frequencies of composite neonatal respiratory morbidity were 19.4%, 10.7%, and 9.2% in dichorionic diamniotic twins and 13.6%, 8.7%, and 9.4% in monochorionic diamniotic twins, respectively. In dichorionic diamniotic twins, the composite neonatal respiratory morbidity rate was higher for twins delivered at 36 weeks of gestation than for those delivered at 37 weeks. No significant differences between monochorionic diamniotic twins were detected. CONCLUSIONS In uncomplicated dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies, delivery should be considered after 37 weeks of gestation to reduce neonatal respiratory complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Kawaguchi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kuritani
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryo Yamamoto
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shusaku Hayashi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ishii
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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Windrim C, Ryan G, Rojas D, Montero D, Higgins M, Windrim R. Remote hands-on training with a novel "video-game" simulator for teaching fetoscopic laser techniques for ablation of placental anastomoses in twin-to-twin syndrome. Prenat Diagn 2024; 44:108-110. [PMID: 38112307 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Key pointsWhat's already known about this topic?
Twin to twin syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication of monochorionic twin pregnancy
The treatment of choice is fetoscopic laser ablation of placental anastamoses
Simulation plays an important role in teaching this high‐acuity procedure
What does this study add?
We report the development of a high‐fidelity digital simulation system for teaching TTTS fetoscopic lasers
Remote teaching has been demonstrated to work well with this system
This simulator is robust, easy to store and assemble and relatively inexpensive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Windrim
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Greg Ryan
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Rojas
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Montero
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary Higgins
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rory Windrim
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Jaingam S, Phithakwatchara N, Nawapun K, Viboonchart S, Watananirun K, Wataganara T. A conditional standard for the customized fetal growth trajectory in twin pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2024; 6:101223. [PMID: 37951579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The difference in the birth weights between twins and singletons grows with advancing gestation. Although many fetal weight standards based on ultrasonographic measurements have been created for tracking fetal growth in twin pregnancies, their applicability to other groups is limited by the fact that they are population specific. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to generate conditional centiles for growth assessment of twin fetuses and to compare them with other population-based growth standards for singleton and twin fetuses. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective, longitudinal study of ultrasound-based estimated fetal weight data of normal twin fetuses delivered after 34 weeks of gestation. Linear mixed effects models that adjusted for maternal characteristics, fetal gender, and chorionicity were used to evaluate the relationship between estimated fetal weight and gestational age. The estimated fetal weight reference values were calculated using conditional centile based on the estimated fetal weight at an earlier gestational age. To compare our results with previous studies, fetal growth curves were generated using a formula we created that included maternal characteristics and the estimated fetal weight at 24 weeks of gestation in these studies. In a subgroup analysis of our low-risk twin babies born at full term, we calculated the number of fetuses who were reclassified as being in the bottom 10th percentile using each of the previous population-based standard. RESULTS A total of 2644 ultrasounds with a median of 4 scans per fetus from 572 twin pregnancies were included in this analysis. In the cohort, 36% of the fetuses were monochorionic. Maternal age, body mass index, and the interaction between fetal gender and chorionicity were significantly associated with estimated fetal weight. The predicted growth curves matched the growth standard for twins. In our low-risk group, when the singleton standard was used, the incidence of estimated fetal weight <10th percentile was above 20% from gestational week 24 to 38, and this incidence varied when reclassified using other population-based twin standards. CONCLUSION This conditional growth chart was specifically designed to assess fetal growth in twin pregnancies, but it is generalizable to other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suparat Jaingam
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nisarat Phithakwatchara
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Katika Nawapun
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sommai Viboonchart
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanokwaroon Watananirun
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tuangsit Wataganara
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Ahmed B, Abushama M, Konje JC. Prevention of spontaneous preterm delivery – an update on where we are today. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2183756. [PMID: 36966809 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2183756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Spontaneous preterm birth (delivery before 37 completed weeks) is the single most important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The rate is increasing world-wide with a great disparity between low, middle and high income countries. It has been estimated that the cost of neonatal care for preterm babies is more than 4 times that of a term neonate admitted into the neonatal care. Furthermore, there are high costs associated with long-term morbidity in those who survive the neonatal period. Interventions to stop delivery once preterm labor starts are largely ineffective hence the best approach to reducing the rate and consequences is prevention. This is either primary (reducing or minimizing factors associated with preterm birth prior to and during pregnancy) or secondary - identification and amelioration (if possible) of factors in pregnancy that are associated with preterm labor. In the first category are optimizing maternal weight, promoting healthy nutrition, smoking cessation, birth spacing, avoidance of adolescent pregnancies and screening for and controlling various medical disorders as well as infections prior to pregnancy. Strategies in pregnancy, include early booking for prenatal care, screening and managing medical disorders and their complications, and identifying predisposing factors to preterm labor such as shortening of the cervix and timely instituting progesterone prophylaxis or cervical cerclage where appropriate. The use of biomarkers such as oncofetal fibronectin, placental alpha-macroglobulin-1 and IGFBP-1 where cervical screening is not available or to diagnosis PPROM would identify those that require close monitoring and allow the institution of antibiotics especially where infection is considered a predisposing factor. Irrespective of the approach to prevention, timing the administration of corticosteroids and where necessary tocolysis and magnesium sulfate are associated with an improved outcome. The role of genetics, infections and probiotics and how these emerging dimensions help in the diagnosis of preterm birth and consequently prevention are exciting and hopefully may identify sub-populations for targeted strategies.
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Manno JM, Marzan MB, Rolnik DL, Potenza S, Pritchard N, Said JM, Palmer KR, Whitehead CL, Sheehan PM, Ford J, Mol BW, Walker SP, Hui L. Reduction in spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm births in twin pregnancies during COVID-19 lockdown in Melbourne, Australia: a multicenter cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:846. [PMID: 38082241 PMCID: PMC10712149 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06137-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melbourne, Australia, recorded one of the longest and most stringent pandemic lockdowns in 2020, which was associated with an increase in preterm stillbirths among singleton pregnancies. Twin pregnancies may be particularly susceptible to the impacts of pandemic disruptions to maternity care due to their higher background risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. METHODS Multicenter retrospective cohort study of all twin pregnancies birthing in public maternity hospitals in Melbourne. Multivariable log-binomial regression models were used to compare perinatal outcomes between a pre-pandemic group to women in whom weeks 20+0 to 40+0 of gestation occurred entirely during one of two lockdown-exposure periods: exposure 1 from 22 March 2020 to 21 March 2021 and exposure 2 from 22 March 2021 to 27 March 2022. RESULTS Total preterm births < 37 weeks were significantly lower in exposure 1 compared with the pre-pandemic period (63.1% vs 68.3%; adjusted risk ratio 0.92 95% CI 0.87-0.98, p = 0.01). This was mainly driven by fewer spontaneous preterm births (18.9% vs 20.3%; adjusted risk ratio 0.95 95% CI 0.90-0.99, p = 0.04). There were also lower rates of preterm birth < 34 weeks (19.9% vs 23.0%, adjusted risk ratio 0.93 95% CI 0.89-0.98 p = 0.01) and total iatrogenic births for fetal compromise (13.4% vs 20.4%; adjusted risk ratio 0.94 95% CI 0.89-0.98, p = 0.01). There were fewer special care nursery admissions (38.5% vs 43.4%; adjusted risk ratio 0.91 95% CI 0.87-0.95, p < 0.001) but no significant changes in stillbirth (1.5% vs 1.6%; adjusted risk ratio 1.00 95% CI 0.99-1.01, p = 0.82). Compared with the pre-pandemic period, there were more preterm births < 28 weeks and neonatal intensive care unit admissions in exposure 2. CONCLUSIONS Melbourne's first lockdown-exposure period was associated with lower preterm births in twins without significant differences in adverse newborn outcomes. Our findings provide insights into the influences on preterm birth and the optimal timing of delivery for twins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M Manno
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Melvin B Marzan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Mercy Health, Heidelberg, Australia
- Reproductive Epidemiology Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Daniel L Rolnik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Stephanie Potenza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Mercy Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Natasha Pritchard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Mercy Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Joanne M Said
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Department, Joan Kirner Women's and Children's Hospital, Western Health, St Albans, Australia
| | - Kirsten R Palmer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Clare L Whitehead
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Penelope M Sheehan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Australia
| | - Jolyon Ford
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peninsula Health, Frankston, Australia
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Susan P Walker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Mercy Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Lisa Hui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Mercy Health, Heidelberg, Australia.
- Reproductive Epidemiology Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Northern Hospital, Northern Health, Epping, Australia.
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Paiva TM, Santana EF, Casati MF, Araujo Júnior E. Neurological morbidity in monochorionic twins with selective fetal growth restriction. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2023; 75:565-572. [PMID: 35758094 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.22.05068-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The increased risks of various obstetric, maternal and fetal comorbidities of monochorionic twin pregnancies are widely known. However, despite its high prevalence and significance, the assessment of neurological morbidity as more commonly in selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) is concerned with more health care. This literature review aims to provide more information about such an assessment. To this end, retrospective cases of sFGR were studied in monochorionic twins, already diagnosed, classified and who had the recommended management, published between 2001 and 2018 in 17 scientific articles. In the assessment of fetal mortality, the highest risk of death of the restricted fetus was found in type 3 of sFGR, while type 2 sFGR was responsible for the highest death rates of both fetuses and also the lowest mean gestational age at delivery, 30.9 weeks. Regarding neurological morbidity, however, studies have shown a higher risk of brain damage in the habitually growing twin compared to the restricted one in the case of sFGR. This may be due to prematurity or intermittent diastolic flow on Doppler in type 2 and 3 of sFGR, however, statements about its pathophysiology still lack further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eduardo F Santana
- Albert Einstein Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Unit of Fetal Medicine, Albert Einstein Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Murilo F Casati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ABC Medical School (FMABC), Santo André, Brazil
| | - Edward Araujo Júnior
- Department of Obstetrics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil -
- Municipal University of São Caetano do Sul (USCS), Bela Vista Campus, São Paulo, Brazil
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40
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Rosen H, Gold-Zamir Y, Lopian M, Weissbach T, Kassif E, Weisz B. Accuracy of sonographic fetal weight estimation and prediction of birth-weight discordance in twin pregnancy: large single-center study. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2023; 62:821-828. [PMID: 37265171 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the accuracy of sonographic fetal weight estimation in predicting birth weight (BW) and BW discordance in twin gestations, and to evaluate maternal and fetal characteristics that may affect the accuracy of this assessment. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of all twins delivered at a single tertiary medical center between 2010 and 2021. Twin gestations for which sonographic estimation of fetal weight was performed within the week preceding delivery were included. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the strength of the correlation between sonographic estimated fetal weight (EFW) and BW, and to determine the impact of maternal and fetal factors on the accuracy of sonographic estimation. RESULTS The study included 2154 twin pregnancies. There was a strong correlation between sonographic EFW and corresponding BW for all twins (r = 0.922; P < 0.001). Strong correlations were observed for both the presenting and non-presenting cotwin (r = 0.921 and r = 0.922, respectively; both P < 0.001), as well as the larger and smaller cotwin (r = 0.928 and r = 0.934, respectively; both P < 0.001). The overall mean ± SD absolute error of sonographic EFW was 7.41 ± 6.81%. This error was greater for the non-presenting cotwin compared with the presenting cotwin (7.99 ± 6.12% vs 7.17 ± 5.64%; P < 0.001), and for the smaller cotwin compared with the larger cotwin (8.56 ± 7.50% vs 6.58 ± 5.47%; P < 0.001). Advanced gestational age at scanning was correlated inversely with the mean absolute error of sonographic EFW. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that an earlier gestational age at scanning, being the non-presenting cotwin and being the smaller cotwin were independent risk factors for sonographic EFW inaccuracy. Pregnancies in which the presenting twin was estimated to be the smaller cotwin had twice the rate of false-positive BW discordance compared with pregnancies in which the presenting twin was estimated to be the larger cotwin (36.0% vs 13.0% for BW discordance > 15%, 35.0% vs 17.0% for BW discordance > 20% and 37.7% vs 12.1% for BW discordance > 25%; all P < 0.001). The error in sonographic EFW discordance was not related to chorionicity, the position of the presenting fetus or gestational age at the time of fetal weight estimation. CONCLUSIONS Sonographic estimation of fetal weight within 7 days before delivery accurately predicts BW in twin pregnancy. Sonographic EFW accuracy is reduced for the non-presenting twin, the smaller cotwin and when delivery occurs at an earlier gestational age. Sonographic estimation of fetal weight discordance is less accurate when the presenting twin is the smaller cotwin. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Rosen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center, Bnei Brak, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Y Gold-Zamir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center, Bnei Brak, Israel
| | - M Lopian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center, Bnei Brak, Israel
| | - T Weissbach
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Obstetrical and Gynecological Imaging, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - E Kassif
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Obstetrical and Gynecological Imaging, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - B Weisz
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Obstetrical and Gynecological Imaging, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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41
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Shanahan MA, Bebbington MW. Monochorionic Twins: TTTS, TAPS, and Selective Fetal Growth Restriction. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 66:825-840. [PMID: 37910135 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
With an increasing incidence of twin gestations, understanding the inherent risks associated with these pregnancies is essential in modern obstetrics. The unique differences in placentation in monochorionic twins leads to unique complications, including twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, the twin anemia-polycythemia sequence, and selective fetal growth restriction. Not only does the understanding of the monochorionic placenta lead to an understanding of the pathophysiology of the complications of monochorionic twins, but it also has led to the development of highly effective directed fetal therapy via fetoscopic laser coagulation used in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Shanahan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
| | - Michael W Bebbington
- Department of Women's Health, Comprehensive Fetal Care Center, University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas
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42
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Løppke FB, Schou KV, Ekelund CK, Rode L, Tabor A, Sundberg K. First-trimester biomarkers and ultrasound biometries in relation to growth discordance in monochorionic diamniotic twins. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2184223. [PMID: 36889742 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2184223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association and predictive value between intertwin discordance in first trimester biometries crown-rump length (CRL) and nuchal translucency (NT), and the first trimester biochemical markers PAPP-A and free β-hCG in relation to birth weight discordance (BWD) ≥25% in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies.Methods: First trimester screening information and pregnancy outcome data on MCDA twin pregnancies with delivery from July 2008 to July 2017 were retrieved from the Danish Fetal Medicine Database. CRL discordance was divided into: <10% (reference group) and ≥10%. NT discordance was divided into: <20% (reference group) and ≥20%. The twin pregnancies were classified according to BWD into the following groups: <10% (reference group), 10-24.9%, and ≥25% including cases undergoing umbilical cord occlusion due to selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR). The twin pregnancies with the most severe BWD (BWD ≥25%) were subdivided into three groups including cases with only one growth-restricted (<10th centile) infant defined as sFGR, and cases where both twins were <10th centile. Median multiples of the median (MoM) values of PAPP-A and free ß-hCG were compared with the group with BWD <10% using the Wilcoxon two-sample test. The ability of CRL discordance and NT discordance to predict BWD ≥25% was examined by the area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: A total of 762 MCDA pregnancies were included. The proportion of pregnancies with CRL discordance ≥10% and NT discordance ≥20% was significantly higher in the group with severe BWD discordance (27.0% vs. 4.7% (p < 0.001) and 40.9% vs. 23.9% (p = 0.001), respectively). When examining the three subgroups of severe BWD, we found a significantly higher percentage of pregnancies with CRL discordance ≥10% in the group where umbilical cord occlusion was performed (52.6% vs. 4.7% in the group with BWD <10% (p < 0.001)) and in the group of BWD ≥25% with sFGR (21.7% vs. 4.7% (p < 0.001)). Additionally, a significantly higher percentage of pregnancies with NT discordance ≥20% was found in the group where umbilical cord occlusion was performed (52.6% vs. 23.9% (p = 0.005)) and in the group with both twins <10th centile (66.7% vs. 23.9% (p = 0.003)). No statistically significant differences were found when comparing levels of PAPP-A and free β-hCG MoMs with the group with BWD <10%. In ROC curves, CRL discordance yielded an AUC for prediction of BWD ≥25% of 0.70 (95% CI 0.63-0.76), and for NT discordance AUC was 0.59 (95% CI 0.52-0.66)). OR for any BWD ≥ 25% was 6.7 (95% CI 3.8-12.0) for pregnancies with a CRL discordance ≥10% compared to pregnancies with a CRL discordance <10%.Conclusions: This study shows that a discordance in CRL and NT in MCDA twins are both significantly associated with development of BWD. The most important predictor remains CRL discordance ≥10%, thereby suggesting the unequal growth pattern in many cases with BWD is evident already in the first trimester of the pregnancy. No association was found between first trimester biochemical markers and severe BWD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederikke Bang Løppke
- Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine Vasehus Schou
- Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Kvist Ekelund
- Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Line Rode
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Ann Tabor
- Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karin Sundberg
- Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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43
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Weitzner O, Barrett J, Murphy KE, Kingdom J, Aviram A, Mei-Dan E, Hiersch L, Ryan G, Van Mieghem T, Abbasi N, Fox NS, Rebarber A, Berghella V, Melamed N. National and international guidelines on the management of twin pregnancies: a comparative review. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:577-598. [PMID: 37244456 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Twin gestations are associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications. However, high-quality evidence regarding the management of twin pregnancies is limited, often resulting in inconsistencies in the recommendations of various national and international professional societies. In addition, some recommendations related to the management of twin gestations are often missing from the clinical guidelines dedicated to twin pregnancies and are instead included in the practice guidelines on specific pregnancy complications (eg, preterm birth) of the same professional society. This can make it challenging for care providers to easily identify and compare recommendations for the management of twin pregnancies. This study aimed to identify, summarize, and compare the recommendations of selected professional societies from high-income countries on the management of twin pregnancies, highlighting areas of both consensus and controversy. We reviewed clinical practice guidelines of selected major professional societies that were either specific to twin pregnancies or were focused on pregnancy complications or aspects of antenatal care that may be relevant for twin pregnancies. We decided a priori to include clinical guidelines from 7 high-income countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Australia and New Zealand grouped together) and from 2 international societies (International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics). We identified recommendations regarding the following care areas: first-trimester care, antenatal surveillance, preterm birth and other pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and gestational diabetes mellitus), and timing and mode of delivery. We identified 28 guidelines published by 11 professional societies from the 7 countries and 2 international societies. Thirteen of these guidelines focus on twin pregnancies, whereas the other 16 focus on specific pregnancy complications predominantly in singletons but also include some recommendations for twin pregnancies. Most of the guidelines are recent, with 15 of the 29 guidelines published over the past 3 years. We identified considerable disagreement among guidelines, primarily in 4 key areas: screening and prevention of preterm birth, using aspirin to prevent preeclampsia, defining fetal growth restriction, and the timing of delivery. In addition, there is limited guidance on several important areas, including the implications of the "vanishing twin" phenomenon, technical aspects and risks of invasive procedures, nutrition and weight gain, physical and sexual activity, the optimal growth chart to be used in twin pregnancies, the diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes mellitus, and intrapartum care.This consolidation of key recommendations across several clinical practice guidelines can assist healthcare providers in accessing and comparing recommendations on the management of twin pregnancies and identifies high-priority areas for future research based on either continued disagreement among societies or limited current evidence to guide care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Weitzner
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jon Barrett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Ontario Fetal Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - John Kingdom
- Ontario Fetal Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Amir Aviram
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elad Mei-Dan
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North York General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Liran Hiersch
- Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Greg Ryan
- Ontario Fetal Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tim Van Mieghem
- Ontario Fetal Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nimrah Abbasi
- Ontario Fetal Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nathan S Fox
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates, PLLC, New York, NY
| | - Andrei Rebarber
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates, PLLC, New York, NY
| | - Vincenzo Berghella
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nir Melamed
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Sondgeroth KE. Twin Gestation With Spontaneous Reduction To Singleton. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 66:792-803. [PMID: 37910065 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Twin gestations are at increased risk of single intrauterine fetal death. A first-trimester loss is a common complication in twin gestations. The rate of co-twin morbidity and mortality is higher when a single demise occurs in the second and third trimesters. Monochorionicity strongly influences the prognosis for the surviving co-twin. Fetal ultrasound combined with MRI may be able to help predict neurological injury to the surviving co-twin. The rate of co-twin demise decreases with advancing gestation. After single intrauterine fetal demise, monochorionic gestations should be delivered by 34 weeks and dichorionic by 36 to 37 weeks gestation.
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Saunders M, Allen VM, Andreou P, Van den Hof MC. Validation of Ultrasound Dating Protocols Using Data From Twins Conceived Through In Vitro Fertilization in Nova Scotia: A Retrospective Cohort Study. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2023; 45:102199. [PMID: 37633645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.102199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical practice guidelines recommend determining gestational age (GA) for twin pregnancies using the fetal crown rump length (CRL) of the larger fetus. This study investigated whether the CRL of the larger or smaller fetus at 11-14 weeks best predicted in vitro fertilization (IVF) assigned GA. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of twin pregnancies conceived by IVF ± intracytoplasmic sperm injection, 2004-2022, generated GA estimations for each co-twin CRL at the 11-14 week ultrasound, to determine which fetus (smaller or larger) more consistently predicted IVF-assigned GA. Monoamniotic twins and twins with known structural or vascular abnormalities were excluded. Paired t tests evaluated the ability of CRL to predict GA, and logistic regression evaluated the predictive ability of each of the co-twin groups with increasing size differences. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS Viewpoint 6 identified 359 eligible twin pairs. CRL was closest with the smaller fetus (0.38 days); CRL for both the smaller (95% CI 0.16-0.61) and the larger (2.25 days, 95% CI 2.04-2.46) fetus showed deviation from IVF-assigned GA. As the absolute difference between the small and large fetus increased, the ultrasound-estimated GA of the smaller fetus was still consistently closer to IVF-assigned GA. CONCLUSIONS In this selected population of twins with known GA, the CRL of the smaller fetus more accurately predicted IVF-assigned GA even with increasing differences in fetal size. These findings provide important information for appropriately dating pregnancies to facilitate adherence to national guidelines to monitor for pregnancy complications, and plan frequency and type of fetal surveillance, as well as timing of delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Saunders
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University and IWK Health, Halifax, NS
| | - Victoria M Allen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University and IWK Health, Halifax, NS; Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS.
| | - Pantelis Andreou
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
| | - Michiel C Van den Hof
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University and IWK Health, Halifax, NS
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Diago-Muñoz DM, Martínez-Varea A, Alonso-Díaz R, Perales-Marín A, Diago-Almela VJ. Physical examination-indicated cerclage in twin pregnancies compared with singleton pregnancies. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2228963. [PMID: 37369372 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2228963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare pregnancy outcomes of physical examination-indicated cerclage in twin and singleton pregnancies with bulging membranes. METHODS All women with bulging membranes in the second trimester of pregnancy who were admitted to La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital from January 2009 to January 2022 were included. A total of 128 participants were enrolled, 102 singleton pregnancies and 26 twin pregnancies. All patients underwent an amniocentesis to rule out intra-amniotic inflammation (IL-6 < 2.6 ng/mL). Cerclage was placed in the absence of intra-amniotic inflammation. RESULTS Compared with singleton gestations, twin pregnancies displayed a significantly higher prevalence of nulliparity and assisted reproductive techniques. The incidence of intra-amniotic inflammation/infection was similar in both groups (68.62% in singleton vs. 65.38% in twin pregnancies). The average gestational age of delivery without cerclage in singleton gestations was 23.83 weeks (95% CI 22.82-24.84) and in twin pregnancies, it was 23.69 weeks (95% CI 21.8-25.57). The average gestational age at delivery among patients with cerclage was 37.27 weeks (95% CI 35.35-39.19) in singleton gestations and 36 weeks (95% CI 33.51-38.63) in twin pregnancies, with no significant differences. Time from diagnosis to delivery in patients with IL-6 < 2.6 ng/mL was 79.88 days, and in those with IL > 2.6 ng/mL was 10.87 days. Gestational age at delivery was significantly higher in both singleton and twin pregnancies with cerclage, compared with those without cerclage (log-rank p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Singleton and twin pregnancies with bulging membranes behave similarly when cerclage is placed in the absence of intraamniotic inflammation/infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Diago-Muñoz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Spain
| | - A Martínez-Varea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - R Alonso-Díaz
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Perales-Marín
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - V J Diago-Almela
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
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Huang X, Xiang H, Bao J, Zhu J, Chen J, Zhou P, Zhou T, Xu Z. The effects of intrauterine growth on physical and intellectual development of one-year-old infants: a study on monochorionic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2023; 43:2125300. [PMID: 36173191 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2125300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate physical and intellectual development of one-year-old infants of monochorionic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR). A total of 31 pairs of sIUGR twins ageing 1 year old were included in the study. Each pair of sIUGR twins was divided into low birthweight-twin group (L-twin group) and high birthweight-twin group (H-twin group) according to twins' birthweight. The differences in height, weight, head circumstance and body mass index (BMI) in each stage were statistically significant for all measures from birth until 1 year old (p < .05), and there was a disappointed catch-up growth in lighter twins. Psychomotor development index (PDI) and mental development index (MDI) at 1 year old were significantly different between the two groups (p < .05). Stepwise regression analysis showed that the effects of weight on both PDI and MDI were statistically significant (p < .05). Intrauterine growth inconsistencies in monochorionic twins with sIUGR persist until the first year of life and affect low-birthweight infants' physical and intellectual development.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Selective intrauterine growth restriction in monochorionic twins increases the risks of intrauterine foetal demise, preterm birth, caesarean delivery and adverse neonatal outcomes, especially in the smaller foetus.What do the results of this study add? Previous studies have concentrated on the clinical management of sIUGR, while little attention has been paid to the growth and development of twins after birth. Given the adverse neurobiological effects of suboptimal nutrition on the brain development, it is important to determine whether IUGR causes long-term cognitive deficits and physical retardation. The current study has assessed the physical and intellectual development of one-year-old infants of monochorionic twins with sIUGR.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Intrauterine growth inconsistencies in monochorionic twins with sIUGR persist until the first year of life and affect low-birthweight infants' physical and intellectual development. Further research on the longer-term effects of sIUGR is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianping Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiqiu Xiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiale Bao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Panpan Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangye Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
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Huang N, Chen W, Jiang H, Yang J, Zhang Y, Shi H, Wang Y, Yuan P, Qiao J, Wei Y, Zhao Y. Metabolic dynamics and prediction of sFGR and adverse fetal outcomes: a prospective longitudinal cohort study. BMC Med 2023; 21:455. [PMID: 37996847 PMCID: PMC10666385 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03134-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) is an extreme complication that significantly increases the risk of perinatal mortality and long-term adverse neurological outcomes in offspring, affecting approximately 15% of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies. The lack of longitudinal cohort studies hinders the early prediction and intervention of sFGR. METHODS We constructed a prospective longitudinal cohort study of sFGR, and quantified 25 key metabolites in 337 samples from maternal plasma in the first, second, and third trimester and from cord plasma. In particular, our study examined fetal growth and brain injury data from ultrasonography and used the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-third edition subscale (ASQ-3) to evaluate the long-term neurocognitive behavioral development of infants aged 2-3 years. Furthermore, we correlated metabolite levels with ultrasound data, including physical development and brain injury indicators, and ASQ-3 data using Spearman's-based correlation tests. In addition, special combinations of differential metabolites were used to construct predictive models for the occurrence of sFGR and fetal brain injury. RESULTS Our findings revealed various dynamic patterns for these metabolites during pregnancy and a maximum of differential metabolites between sFGR and MCDA in the second trimester (n = 8). The combination of L-phenylalanine, L-leucine, and L-isoleucine in the second trimester, which were closely related to fetal growth indicators, was highly predictive of sFGR occurrence (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.878). The combination of L-serine, L-histidine, and L-arginine in the first trimester and creatinine in the second trimester was correlated with long-term neurocognitive behavioral development and showed the capacity to identify fetal brain injury with high accuracy (AUC: 0.94). CONCLUSIONS The performance of maternal plasma metabolites from the first and second trimester is superior to those from the third trimester and cord plasma in discerning sFGR and fetal brain injury. These metabolites may serve as useful biomarkers for early prediction and promising targets for early intervention in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hai Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China
| | - Youzhen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China
| | - Huifeng Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China
| | - Pengbo Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China.
| | - Yangyu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China.
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Svirsky R, Sharabi-Nov A, Sagi T, Meiri H, Adi O, Kugler N, Maymon R. High sensitivity and specificity in fetal gender identification in the first trimester, using ultrasound and Noninvasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) in twin pregnancies, a prospective study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:812. [PMID: 37993805 PMCID: PMC10664379 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06133-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Determination of the fetal gender in the first trimester is important in twin pregnancy cases of familial X-linked genetic syndromes and helps determine chorionicity. We assessed and compared the accuracy of first-trimester ultrasound scans, and cell-free fetal DNA (CfDNA) in determining fetal gender in the first trimester of twin pregnancies. METHODS Women with twin pregnancies were recruited prospectively during the first trimester. Fetal gender was determined using both ultrasound scans and CfDNA screening. Both results were compared to the newborn gender after delivery. RESULTS A total of 113 women with twin pregnancies were enrolled. There was 100% sensitivity and specificity in Y chromosome detection using CfDNA. Gender assignment using ultrasound in any first-trimester scans was 79.7%. Accuracy level increased from 54.2% in CRL 45-54 mm to 87.7% in CRL 55-67 mm and 91.5% in CRL 67-87 mm. Male fetuses had significantly higher chances of a gender assignment error compared to female fetuses, odds ratio = 23.574 (CI 7.346 - 75.656). CONCLUSIONS CfDNA is highly sensitive and specific in determining the presence of the Y chromosome in twin pregnancies in the first trimester. Between CRL 55-87 mm, ultrasound scanning offers a highly accurate determination of fetal gender in twin pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Svirsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Genetic Unit, Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ashdod, Israel.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
| | - Adi Sharabi-Nov
- Department of Statistics, Ziv Medical Center, Safed and Tel Hai Academic College, Tel Hai, Israel
| | - Tal Sagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Hamutal Meiri
- PreTwin Screen Consortium and TeleMarpe Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Orenstein Adi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Nadav Kugler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ron Maymon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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50
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Kristensen SE, Kvist Ekelund C, Sandager P, Stener Jørgensen F, Hoseth E, Sperling L, Zingenberg HJ, Duelund Hjortshøj T, Gadsbøll K, Wright A, Wright D, McLennan A, Sundberg K, Petersen OB. Triple trouble: uncovering the risks and benefits of early fetal reduction in trichorionic triplets in a large national Danish cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:555.e1-555.e14. [PMID: 37263399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triplet pregnancies are high risk for both the mother and the infants. The risks for infants include premature birth, low birthweight, and neonatal complications. Therefore, the management of triplet pregnancies involves close monitoring and may include interventions, such as fetal reduction, to prolong the pregnancy and improve outcomes. However, the evidence of benefits and risks associated with fetal reduction is inconsistent. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the outcomes of trichorionic triplet pregnancies with and without fetal reduction and with nonreduced dichorionic twin pregnancies and primary singleton pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN All trichorionic triplet pregnancies in Denmark, including those with fetal reduction, were identified between 2008 and 2018. In Denmark, all couples expecting triplets are informed about and offered fetal reduction. Pregnancies with viable fetuses at the first-trimester ultrasound scan and pregnancies not terminated were included. Adverse pregnancy outcome was defined as a composite of miscarriage before 24 weeks of gestation, stillbirth at 24 weeks of gestation, or intrauterine fetal death of 1 or 2 fetuses. RESULTS The study cohort was composed of 317 trichorionic triplet pregnancies, of which 70.0% of pregnancies underwent fetal reduction to a twin pregnancy, 2.2% of pregnancies were reduced to singleton pregnancies, and 27.8% of pregnancies were not reduced. Nonreduced triplet pregnancies had high risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes (28.4%), which was significantly lower in triplets reduced to twins (9.0%; difference, 19.4%, 95% confidence interval, 8.5%-30.3%). Severe preterm deliveries were significantly higher in nonreduced triplet pregnancies (27.9%) than triplet pregnancies reduced to twin pregnancies (13.1%; difference, 14.9%, 95% confidence interval, 7.9%-21.9%). However, triplet pregnancies reduced to twin pregnancies had an insignificantly higher risk of miscarriage (6.8%) than nonreduced twin pregnancies (1.1%; difference, 5.6%; 95% confidence interval, 0.9%-10.4%). CONCLUSION Triplet pregnancies reduced to twin pregnancies had significantly lower risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, severe preterm deliveries, and low birthweight than nonreduced triplet pregnancies. However, triplet pregnancies reduced to twin pregnancies were potentially associated with a 5.6% increased risk of miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Ernesto Kristensen
- Department of Obstetrics, Center for Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Charlotte Kvist Ekelund
- Department of Obstetrics, Center for Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Puk Sandager
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Fetal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Center for Fetal Diagnostics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Finn Stener Jørgensen
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Amager, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Eva Hoseth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinic of Ultrasound, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lene Sperling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Ultrasound and Pregnancy, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Helle Jeanette Zingenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Tina Duelund Hjortshøj
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Gadsbøll
- Department of Obstetrics, Center for Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alan Wright
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - David Wright
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew McLennan
- Sydney Ultrasound for Women, Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia; Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Neonatology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karin Sundberg
- Department of Obstetrics, Center for Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Olav Bjørn Petersen
- Department of Obstetrics, Center for Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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