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Meng X, Huang J, Yuan P, Wang X, Shi X, Zhao Y, Wei Y. Outcomes of fetal reduction versus expectant management in dichorionic triamniotic triplets. Prenat Diagn 2023; 43:1442-1449. [PMID: 37671656 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the outcomes of dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) triplets who underwent fetal reduction (FR) to singletons or twins with those managed expectantly. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of DCTA triplets with three living fetuses at 11-14 weeks over a 7-year period. Pregnancy outcomes were compared following different management strategies. RESULTS Of 108 included patients, 22 underwent expectant management (EM), 28 were reduced to dichorionic diamniotic twins, and 58 to singletons. The median gestational age at birth for EM, FR to twins, and singletons was 33.1 weeks, 37.0 weeks, and 38.6 weeks, respectively (P < 0.001). Prematurity before 37 and 34 weeks was less common following FR to singletons and twins than in ongoing triplets (18.9%, 46.2% and 90.5%, P < 0.001; 13.2%, 26.9% and 57.1%, P < 0.001). Neonatal birth weight was higher in triplets reduced to singletons and twins compared with EM cases (3140g, 2315g, and 1860g, P < 0.001). However, rates of miscarriage, pregnancies with ≥1 survivor, maternal complications, and adverse neonatal outcomes were comparable among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS In our experience, FR in DCTA triplets could reduce prematurity risk compared to EM, but it confers no survival advantage. Fetal reduction to singletons may result in more favorable outcomes than those reduced to dichorionic twins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlu Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pengbo Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xueju Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoming Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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2
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Rao MG, Vieira L, Rebarber A, Stone J. Selective fetal reduction in monochorionic diamniotic twins may be a safe therapeutic alternative to ongoing pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:100768. [PMID: 36220553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Manasa G Rao
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 E 98 St., New York, NY, 10029.
| | - Luciana Vieira
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 E 98 St., New York, NY, 10029
| | - Andrei Rebarber
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 E 98 St., New York, NY, 10029
| | - Joanne Stone
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 E 98 St., New York, NY, 10029
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3
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Moradi B, Badraqe N, Rahimi Sharbaf F, Firouznia K, Shirazi M, Kazemi MA, Rahimi R. Early detection of ischemic brain injuries by diffusion-weighted imaging after radiofrequency ablation for fetal reduction in monochorionic pregnancies. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2022; 50:1288-1296. [PMID: 35635295 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23237] [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: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the additional advantages of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) over fetal ultrasound in the detection of acute ischemic cerebral injuries in complicated monochorionic (MC) pregnancies that underwent selective reduction by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). METHODS This prospective cohort study was conducted on 40 women with complicated MC pregnancies who were treated by RFA. Fetal brain imaging by DWI and conventional MRI was performed either in the early (within 10 days after RFA) or late phase (after 3-6 weeks) in the surviving fetuses to detect both acute and chronic ischemic injuries. The presence of anemia after RFA was also evaluated by Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS Overall, 13 of the total 43 fetuses (30.23%) demonstrated MRI abnormalities with normal brain ultrasound results including germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH), extensive cerebral ischemia, and mild ventriculomegaly. Although seven fetuses with GMH eventually survived, fetuses that demonstrated ischemic lesions and ventriculomegaly on MRI died in the uterus. CONCLUSION The absence of abnormal cerebral lesions or anemia on ultrasound and Doppler exams does not necessarily rule out fetal brain ischemia. Performing early MRI, particularly DWI seems to be a reasonable option for detection of early intracranial ischemic changes and better management of complicated multiple pregnancies which were treated by RFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Moradi
- Department of Radiology, Yas Complex Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of radiology, Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Medical Imaging Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Badraqe
- Department of radiology, Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Medical Imaging Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rahimi Sharbaf
- Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, Yas Complex Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kavous Firouznia
- Department of radiology, Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Medical Imaging Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Shirazi
- Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, Yas Complex Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Kazemi
- Department of radiology, Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Medical Imaging Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Radiology, Amiralam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahil Rahimi
- Department of radiology, Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Medical Imaging Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence: Prenatal Diagnosis and Treatment. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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5
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Wu T, Gong X, Wang X, Li L, Chen Z, Yuan P, Xie J, Gong L, Wang X, Zhao Y, Wei Y. Perinatal and neurodevelopmental outcome in complicated monochorionic pregnancy after selective fetal reduction: radiofrequency ablation vs microwave ablation. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2022; 60:506-513. [PMID: 35468234 DOI: 10.1002/uog.24919] [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: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To summarize our experience in the application of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) for selective fetal reduction in complicated monochorionic pregnancies and compare the perinatal outcome of the two techniques. METHODS This was a retrospective study of data from a consecutive cohort of all monochorionic twin pregnancies that underwent selective fetal reduction with RFA or MWA at Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China from January 2012 to December 2018. All surviving cotwins were followed up to assess their neurodevelopment using the Age & Stage Questionnaire, Chinese version. Perinatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes were compared between the RFA and MWA groups. We also fitted multivariable models to test the association between procedure-related factors and the main perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB) < 37 weeks' gestation, intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) of the cotwin, adverse outcome (defined as occurrence of IUFD of the cotwin, termination of pregnancy or PTB < 28 weeks) and overall survival. RESULTS In total, 45 cases (42 twin and three triplet pregnancies) underwent RFA and 126 cases (105 twin and 21 triplet pregnancies) underwent MWA. The overall survival rates in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies were similar between the RFA and MWA groups (61.0% vs 67.0%; P = 0.494). However, pregnancies whose indication for fetal reduction was selective intrauterine growth restriction or twin reversed arterial perfusion had higher overall survival rates (75.5% and 82.6%, respectively) compared with those in other indication groups. A total of 104 children were followed up (20 in the RFA group and 84 in the MWA group); four (20.0%) and eight (9.5%) children were assessed as having overall developmental delay in the RFA and MWA groups, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups. Multivariable analyses showed that procedure indication, number of ablation cycles and gestational age at procedure were associated significantly with the main perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS RFA and MWA for selective fetal reduction in complicated monochorionic pregnancies can achieve similar overall survival rate and neurodevelopmental outcome, but MWA is associated with a lower risk of preterm birth. Moreover, procedure-related factors are associated significantly with perinatal outcome. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - X Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - X Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - L Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Z Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - P Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - J Xie
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - L Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - X Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Y Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Y Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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6
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Donepudi R, Hessami K, Nassr AA, Espinoza J, Sanz Cortes M, Sun L, Shirazi M, Yinon Y, Belfort MA, Shamshirsaz AA. Selective reduction in complicated monochorionic pregnancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of different techniques. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:646-655.e3. [PMID: 34678178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the perinatal outcomes of complicated monochorionic pregnancies after selective reduction by radiofrequency ablation, bipolar cord coagulation, and interstitial laser. DATA SOURCES We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from the inception of the database up to April 26, 2021. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies comparing at least 2 selective reduction techniques among complicated monochorionic pregnancies and presenting data on perinatal outcomes, including gestational age at procedure, gestational age at delivery, procedure to delivery interval, preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, survival rate, and birthweight, were eligible. METHODS The random-effects model was used to pool the mean differences or odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 value. RESULTS A total of 10 studies with 734 cases of fetal reduction met the inclusion criteria, of which 9 studies with 674 fetuses were eligible for quantitative synthesis. In 8 studies that compared radiofrequency ablation with bipolar cord coagulation, radiofrequency ablation was associated with increased procedure to delivery interval (days) (mean difference, 13.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.90-24.94; P=.02; I2=0.0%), decreased preterm birth (odds ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.85; P=.01; I2=3.0%), and decreased preterm premature rupture of membranes (odds ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.73; P=.001; I2=0.0%). Radiofrequency ablation and bipolar cord coagulation had comparable survival rates (odds ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-1.35; P=.49; I2=0.0%). In 3 studies that compared radiofrequency ablation with interstitial laser, there was no significant difference in gestational age at delivery (P=.07) or survival (P=.15). In 3 studies that compared bipolar cord coagulation with interstitial laser, bipolar cord coagulation was associated with a higher survival rate (odds ratio, 3.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-9.10; P=.03; I2=0.0%), but the gestational age at delivery was comparable between groups (P=.16). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that radiofrequency ablation has a greater procedure to delivery interval and decreased preterm premature rupture of membranes and preterm birth than bipolar cord coagulation. Although there was no difference in gestational age at delivery for either bipolar cord coagulation, radiofrequency ablation, or interstitial laser, survival was higher with bipolar cord coagulation than with interstitial laser.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopali Donepudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Fetal Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kamran Hessami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Fetal Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ahmed A Nassr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Fetal Center, Houston, TX; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Health Hospital, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Jimmy Espinoza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Fetal Center, Houston, TX
| | - Magdalena Sanz Cortes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Fetal Center, Houston, TX
| | - Luming Sun
- Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mahboobeh Shirazi
- Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yoav Yinon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel
| | - Michael A Belfort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Fetal Center, Houston, TX
| | - Alireza A Shamshirsaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Fetal Center, Houston, TX.
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7
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Evans MI, Curtis J, Evans SM, Britt DW. Fetal reduction for everyone? Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 84:76-87. [PMID: 35643756 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Infertility treatments have benefited millions of couples to have their own children; however, the complication of multiple pregnancies with their increased morbidity and mortality has created significant problems. Fetal reduction (FR) was developed to ameliorate these issues. Over 30 years of publications show that FR has been highly successful in substantially reducing both mortality and morbidity. As with most radically new techniques, initial cases were in the "nothing to lose" category. With experience, indications liberalize, and quality of life issues increase as a proportion of cases. Overall risks for twins are not twice as those for singletons, but they are approximately 4- to 5-fold higher. In experienced hands, the combination of genetic testing by CVS followed by FR has made most multiples behave statistically as if they were originally the lower number. The use of microarray analysis to better determine fetal genetic health before deciding on which fetus(es) to keep or reduce further improves pediatric outcomes. With increasing experience and lower average starting numbers, the proportion of FRs to a singleton has increased considerably. Twins to a singleton FR now constitute an increasing proportion of cases performed. Data on such cases show improved outcomes, and we believe FR should be at least discussed and offered to all patients with a dichorionic twin pregnancy or higher. eSET is not a panacea because of the resultant monochorionic twins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark I Evans
- Fetal Medicine Foundation of America, USA; Comprehensive Genetics, PC, New York, USA; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai New York, USA.
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8
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Lu J, Ting YH, Leung TY. Determining chorionicity and amnionicity in twin pregnancies: Pitfalls. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 84:2-16. [PMID: 35490102 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.03.005] [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: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Although the accuracy of chorioamnionicity determination in multiple pregnancy is nearly 100%, some pitfalls do exist. These pitfalls may arise from some confusing sonographic appearance or because of certain rare variations of twinning going against the general principles. Pitfalls in chorionicity determination include (1) the disappearance of the twin peak sign with the regression of chorion frondosum and thinning of the intertwin membrane with advancing gestation; (2) fake twin peak sign because of other structures creeping into the intertwin membrane-placental junction; (3) intrauterine septum or synechia being mistaken as a thick intertwin membrane; (4) bipartite placenta in monochorionic twin being misinterpreted as two separate placentas of dichorionic twin; (5) erroneous fetal sex determination in sex chromosome mosaicism, monogenic disorders, and malformed genitalia in one fetus; and (6) rare twinning types such as dizygotic monochorionic twin and sesquizygotic twin. Pitfalls in amnionicity determination are (1) the lack of correlation between the number of yolk sacs and amnionicity and (2) failure to visualize the intertwin membrane because of technical issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lu
- Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuen Ha Ting
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tak Yeung Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Brock CO, Johnson A. Twin reverse arterial perfusion: Timing of intervention. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 84:127-142. [PMID: 35466064 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Twin reverse arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a severe anomaly in monochorionic twins where one twin has profound corporeal underdevelopment and acardia. The normal "pump" co-twin provides blood flow to the acardiac twin through placental anastomoses which may lead to cardiac failure and pump twin demise as well as preterm delivery from severe polyhydramnios. Treatments include radiofrequency ablation, bipolar cord coagulation, and intrafetal laser with each aimed at occluding blood flow to the acardiac twin. However, none of these modalities has proven superior in terms of either pump twin survival or minimization of complications, including preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, or unexpected co-twin demise. The optimal timing of treatment is also unknown, without clear indications for intervention versus expectant management. Very early treatment of TRAP (i.e., <16 weeks) has been proposed to reduce first-trimester demise; however, this approach remains experimental. Further investigation is required to determine the best treatment and timing of intervention for TRAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifton O Brock
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Services, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States; The Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, United States
| | - Anthony Johnson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Services, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States; The Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, United States.
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10
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Evans MI, Curtis J, Evans SM, Britt DW. Fetal reduction and twins. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2022; 4:100521. [PMID: 34700026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Infertility treatments have allowed millions of couples to have their own children, but resultant multiple pregnancies with their increased morbidity and mortality have been a significant complication. Fetal reduction was developed to ameliorate this issue. Over 30 years of publications show that fetal reduction has been highly successful in substantially reducing both mortality and morbidity related to multiple pregnancies. As with most radically new techniques, initial cases were in the "nothing to lose" category. With experience, indications liberalize, and quality of life issues gain relevance. The overall risks of twin pregnancy are not twice that of singleton pregnancy; they are about 4 to 5 times higher. In experienced hands, the combination of genetic testing by chorionic villus sampling followed by fetal reduction has made the outcomes of most multiple pregnancies statistically equivalent to those of pregnancies with lower fetal numbers. Use of microarray analysis to better determine fetal genetic health before deciding on which fetus(es) to keep or reduce further improves pediatric outcomes. With increasing experience and lower average starting numbers, the proportion of fetal reductions to a singleton has increased considerably. Twins to a singleton fetal reductions now constitute an increasing proportion of cases performed. Data on such cases show improved outcomes, and we believe fetal reduction should be at least discussed and offered to all patients with a dichorionic twin pregnancy or higher. With the increasing reliance on elective single-embryo transfers, monochorionic twins, which have much higher complication rates than dichorionic twins, have increased substantially. Furthermore, monochorionic twins cannot be readily and safely reduced, so the adverse perinatal statistics of elective single-embryo transfer are a major setback for good outcomes. Although elective single-embryo transfer is appropriate for some, we believe that for many couples, the transfer of 2 embryos is generally a more rational approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark I Evans
- Comprehensive Genetics, Fetal Medicine Foundation of America, New York, NY (Dr Evans, Ms Curtis, Ms Evans, and Dr Britt); Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY (Dr Evans).
| | - Jenifer Curtis
- Comprehensive Genetics, Fetal Medicine Foundation of America, New York, NY (Dr Evans, Ms Curtis, Ms Evans, and Dr Britt)
| | - Shara M Evans
- Comprehensive Genetics, Fetal Medicine Foundation of America, New York, NY (Dr Evans, Ms Curtis, Ms Evans, and Dr Britt); Department of Maternal Child Health, Gillings School of Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC (Ms Evans)
| | - David W Britt
- Comprehensive Genetics, Fetal Medicine Foundation of America, New York, NY (Dr Evans, Ms Curtis, Ms Evans, and Dr Britt)
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Li N, Sun J, Wang J, Jian W, Lu J, Miao Y, Li Y, Chen F, Chen D, Ye X, Chen M. Selective termination of the fetus in multiple pregnancies using ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:821. [PMID: 34893028 PMCID: PMC8662893 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04285-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate the perinatal outcomes in women with selective termination using ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods Complicated monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies and multiple pregnancies with an indication for selective termination by ultrasound-guided coagulation of the umbilical cord with RFA under local anesthesia between July 2013 and Jan 2020 were reviewed. We analyzed the indications, gestational age at the time of the procedure, cycles of RFA, duration of the procedure, and perinatal outcome. Results Three hundred and thirteen patients were treated during this period. Seven of whom were lost of follow-up. The remaining 306 cases, including 266 pairs of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins (86.93%), two pairs of monoamniotic twins (0.65%), 30 dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) triplets (1%), and three monochorionic triamniotic (MCTA) triplets (0.98%), were analyzed. Indications included twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) (n = 91), selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) (n = 83), severe discordant structural malformation (n = 78), multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) (n = 78), twin reverse arterial perfusion sequence (TRAPS) (n = 19), and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) (n = 3). Upon comparison of RFA performed before and after 20 weeks, the co-twin loss rate (20.9% vs. 21.5%), the incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) within 24 h (1.5% vs. 1.2%), and the median gestational age at delivery [35.93 (28–38) weeks vs. 36 (28.54–38.14) weeks] were similar (p > 0.05). Conclusions RFA is a reasonable option when indicated in multiple pregnancies and complicated monochorionic pregnancies. In our experience, the overall survival rate was 78.76% with RFA in selective feticide, and early treatment increases the likelihood of survival for the remaining fetus because the fetal loss rate is similar before and after 20 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jimei Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Jian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yonghui Miao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yufan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dunjin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ye
- Department of Ultrasound, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China.
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Liu Q, Shi X, Fang L, Rao T, Shi L, Wu J. A cohort study of the perinatal outcome of radiofrequency ablation in complicated monochorionic multiple pregnancies based on a different needle insert angle. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211018432. [PMID: 34038209 PMCID: PMC8161873 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211018432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the pregnancy outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for complicated multiple pregnancies between fetal abdominal and dorsal needle insertion angles. METHODS We performed a historical cohort study of patients who underwent selective reduction using RFA through different needle insertion angles from 2015 to 2018 at a local hospital. Dorsal needle insertion cases were consecutively selected and abdominal needle insertion cases were selectively enrolled. The Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to identify predictors of fetal survival time with different needle insertion angles. RESULTS The RFA procedure was performed in 28 women through an abdominal insertion angle and in 28 women through a dorsal insertion angle. There were no significant differences in perinatal outcomes between the two groups. The overall live birth rate after RFA in the two groups was 73.5% and the mean gestation was 31.6 ± 6.5 weeks. The Cox model showed that gestational age at RFA was a predictor of the duration of the period between RFA and delivery. CONCLUSION RFA conducted through the dorsal insertion angle is technically feasible for selective reduction in complex monochorionic multiple pregnancies. Gestational age at this procedure is an independent risk factor for the duration of pregnancy post-RFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics Centre, Guangdong Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Xiaomei Shi
- Department of Medical Genetics Centre, Guangdong Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Liyuan Fang
- Department of Medical Genetics Centre, Guangdong Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Tengzi Rao
- Department of Medical Genetics Centre, Guangdong Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Lishuang Shi
- Department of Medical Genetics Centre, Guangdong Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Medical Genetics Centre, Guangdong Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Guangzhou City, China
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