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da Silva Rocha J, Guedes-Martins L, Cunha A. Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS): From Basic Research to Clinical Practice. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2023; 21:91-105. [PMID: 36718965 DOI: 10.2174/1570161121666230131112930] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Twin pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of perinatal and maternal complications, and early establishment of the chorionicity type defines this risk. In monochorionic (MC) pregnancies, the fetuses share the same placental mass and exhibit vascular anastomoses crossing the intertwin membrane, and the combination and pattern of anastomoses determine the primary clinical picture and occurrence of future complications. Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS) was first described in 2006 after fetoscopic laser surgery in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) twins, and in 2007, the first spontaneous cases were reported, recognizing TAPS as an individualized vascular identity in fetofetal transfusion syndromes. There are two types of TAPS: spontaneous (3-5%) and iatrogenic or postlaser (2-16%). TAPS consists of small diameter arteriovenous anastomoses (<1 mm) and low-rate, small-caliber AA anastomoses in the absence of amniotic fluid discordances. There are certain antenatal and postnatal diagnostic criteria, which have progressively evolved over time. New, additional secondary markers have been proposed, and their reliability is being studied. The best screening protocol for TAPS in MC twins is still a matter of debate. This review provides a survey of the relevant literature on the epidemiology, vascular pathophysiology, underlying hemodynamic factors that regulate mismatched vascular connections, and diagnostic criteria of this condition. The aim is to increase awareness and knowledge about this recently identified and frequently unrecognized and misdiagnosed pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana da Silva Rocha
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Luís Guedes-Martins
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto EPE, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Centro de Medicina Fetal, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, Porto 4099-001, Portugal
- Unidade de Investigação e Formação - Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Porto 4099-001, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Portugal
| | - Ana Cunha
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto EPE, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Centro de Medicina Fetal, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, Porto 4099-001, Portugal
- Unidade de Investigação e Formação - Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Porto 4099-001, Portugal
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Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203268. [PMID: 36291133 PMCID: PMC9600593 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a unique disease and a serious complication occurring in 10–15% of monochorionic multiple pregnancies with various placental complications, including hypoxia, anemia, increased oxidative stress, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, seals the placental vascular anastomoses between twins and dramatically improves the survival rates in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. However, fetal demise still occurs, suggesting the presence of causes other than placental vascular anastomoses. Placental insufficiency is considered as the main cause of fetal demise in such cases; however, little is known about its underlying molecular mechanisms. Indeed, the further association of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome placenta with several molecules and pathways, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and the renin–angiotensin system, makes it difficult to understand the underlying pathological conditions. Currently, there are no effective strategies focusing on these mechanisms in clinical practice. Certain types of cell death due to oxidative stress might be occurring in the placenta, and elucidation of the molecular mechanism underlying this cell death can help manage and prevent it. This review reports on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome for effective management and prevention of fetal demise after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation.
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Yang Y, Wen L, Han TL, Zhang L, Fu H, Gan J, Saffery R, Tong C, Li J, Qi H, Baker PN, Kilby MD. Twin-twin transfusion syndrome is associated with alterations in the metabolic profile of maternal plasma in early gestation: a pilot study. Prenat Diagn 2021; 41:1080-1088. [PMID: 33720417 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) causes perinatal mortality and morbidity in monochorionic twins. The early recognition of and interventional therapy for TTTS is associated with a more favorable overall prognosis. However, the prediction by the use of ultrasound in the first trimester has relatively poor sensitivity and specificity. This study aimed to identify metabolic biomarkers to aid in ultrasound screening of TTTS. METHODS Maternal plasma was prospectively collected between 11 and 15 weeks of gestation in apparently uncomplicated monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancies. This cohort was divided into: (i) patients who were subsequently diagnosed with TTTS by using ultrasound; (ii) uncomplicated matched controls. Metabolome was profiled by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS The levels of fatty acids, organic acids, oxaloacetic acid, and beta-alanine were significantly lower in the TTTS maternal plasma at 11-15 weeks of gestation, and methionine and glycine were also higher (p < 0.05, FDR<0.12). Generally, in TTTS pregnancies, the metabolisms of amino acid, carbohydrate, cofactors, vitamins, and purine were "down-regulated"; whereas bile secretion and pyrimidine metabolism were "upregulated." CONCLUSIONS The metabolomics scanning of early gestation maternal plasma may identify those pregnancies that subsequently develop TTTS; in particular, downregulated fatty acid levels may be biologically plausible to be implicated in the pathogenesis of TTTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Wen
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting-Li Han
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huijia Fu
- Department of Reproduction Health and Infertility, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Gan
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Richard Saffery
- Cancer, Disease and Developmental Epigenetics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chao Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junnan Li
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Philip N Baker
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Mark D Kilby
- Institute of Metabolism and System Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Fetal Medicine Centre, Birmingham Women's & Children's Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Mackie FL, Whittle R, Morris RK, Hyett J, Riley RD, Kilby MD. First-trimester ultrasound measurements and maternal serum biomarkers as prognostic factors in monochorionic twins: a cohort study. Diagn Progn Res 2019; 3:9. [PMID: 31093579 PMCID: PMC6507122 DOI: 10.1186/s41512-019-0054-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monochorionic twin pregnancies are at high risk of adverse outcomes, but it is not possible to predict which pregnancies will develop complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate, in monochorionic twin pregnancies, whether first-trimester ultrasound (nuchal translucency [NT], crown-rump length [CRL]), and maternal serum biomarkers (alpha-fetoprotein [AFP], soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 [sFlt-1] and placental growth factor [PlGF]), are prognostic factors for fetal adverse outcome composite, twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), growth restriction, and intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). METHODS A cohort study of 177 monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies. Independent prognostic ability of each factor was assessed by multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for standard prognostic factors. Factors were analysed as continuous data; thus, the reported ORs relate to either 1% change in NT or CRL inter-twin percentage discordance or one unit of measure in each serum biomarker. RESULTS The odds of the fetal adverse outcome composite were significantly associated with increased NT inter-twin percentage discordance (adjusted OR 1.03 [95% CI 1.01, 1.06]) and CRL inter-twin percentage discordance (adjusted OR 1.17 [95% CI 1.07, 1.29]). TTTS was significantly associated with increased NT discordance (adjusted OR 1.06 [95% CI 1.03, 1.10]) and decreased PlGF (adjusted OR 0.42 [95% CI 0.19, 0.93]). Antenatal growth restriction was significantly associated with increased CRL discordance (adjusted OR 1.20 [95% CI 1.08, 1.34]). Single and double IUFD were associated with decreased PlGF (adjusted OR 0.34 [95% CI 0.12, 0.98]) and (adjusted OR 0.18 [95%CI 0.05, 0.58]) respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study has identified potential individual prognostic factors in the first trimester (fetal biometric and maternal serum biomarkers) that show promise but require further robust evaluation in a larger, prospective series of MC twin pregnancies, so that their usefulness both individually and in combination can be defined. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN 13114861 (retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona L. Mackie
- Centre for Women’s and Newborn Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
- Fetal Medicine Department, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TG UK
| | - Rebecca Whittle
- Centre for Prognosis Research, Research Institute for Primary Care & Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire ST5 5BG UK
| | - R. Katie Morris
- Centre for Women’s and Newborn Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
- Fetal Medicine Department, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TG UK
| | - Jon Hyett
- Department of Women and Babies, Royal Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard D. Riley
- Centre for Prognosis Research, Research Institute for Primary Care & Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire ST5 5BG UK
| | - Mark D. Kilby
- Centre for Women’s and Newborn Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
- Fetal Medicine Department, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TG UK
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Korzeniewski SJ, Romero R, Chaiworapongsa T, Chaemsaithong P, Kim CJ, Kim YM, Kim JS, Yoon BH, Hassan SS, Yeo L. Maternal plasma angiogenic index-1 (placental growth factor/soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1) is a biomarker for the burden of placental lesions consistent with uteroplacental underperfusion: a longitudinal case-cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 214:629.e1-629.e17. [PMID: 26688491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental lesions consistent with maternal vascular underperfusion (MVU) are thought to be pathogenically linked to preeclampsia, small-for-gestational-age newborns, fetal death, and spontaneous preterm labor and delivery; yet, these lesions cannot be diagnosed antenatally. We previously reported that patients with such conditions and lesions have an abnormal profile of the angiogenic placental growth factor (PlGF) and antiangiogenic factors (eg, soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [sVEGFR]-1). OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to: (1) examine the relationship between the maternal plasma PlGF/sVEGFR-1 concentration ratio (referred to herein as angiogenic index-1) and the burden of histologic placental features consistent with MVU; and (2) test the hypothesis that angiogenic index-1 can identify patients in the midtrimester who are destined to deliver before 34 weeks of gestation with multiple (ie, ≥3) histologic placental features consistent with MVU. STUDY DESIGN A 2-stage case-cohort sampling strategy was used to select participants from among 4006 women with singleton gestations enrolled from 2006 through 2010 in a longitudinal study. Maternal plasma angiogenic index-1 ratios were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Placentas underwent histologic examination according to standardized protocols by experienced pediatric pathologists who were blinded to clinical diagnoses and pregnancy outcomes. The diagnosis of lesions consistent with MVU was made using criteria proposed by the Perinatal Section of the Society for Pediatric Pathology. Weighted analyses were performed to reflect the parent cohort; "n*" is used to reflect weighted frequencies. RESULTS (1) Angiogenic index-1 (PlGF/sVEGFR-1) concentration ratios were determined in 7560 plasma samples collected from 1499 study participants; (2) the prevalence of lesions consistent with MVU was 21% (n* = 833.9/3904) and 27% (n* = 11.4/42.7) of women with ≥3 MVU lesions delivered before 34 weeks of gestation; (3) a low angiogenic index-1 (<2.5th quantile for gestational age) in maternal plasma samples obtained within 48 hours of delivery had a sensitivity of 73% (n* = 8.3/11.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 47-98%), a specificity of 94% (n* = 3130.9/3316.2; 95% CI, 94-95%), a positive likelihood ratio of 12.2, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.29 in the identification of patients who delivered placentas with ≥3 MVU lesions at <34 weeks; (4) prospectively, at 20-23 weeks of gestation, a maternal plasma concentration of angiogenic index-1 <2.5th quantile identified 70% (n* = 7.2/10.3; 95% CI, 42-98%) of patients who delivered placentas with ≥3 MVU lesions before 34 weeks (specificity, 97% [n* = 2831.3/2918; 95% CI, 96-98%]; positive likelihood ratio, 23; negative likelihood ratio, 0.31); and (5) among women without obstetrical complications who delivered at term, angiogenic index-1 was lower in women with than without placental lesions consistent with MVU (P < .05). CONCLUSION Maternal plasma angiogenic index-1 (PlGF/sVEGFR-1) is the first biomarker for the burden of placental lesions consistent with MVU. We propose that an accumulation of these lesions in placentas delivered before 34 weeks is a histologic counterpart of an antiangiogenic profile.
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Fox CE, Lash GE, Pretlove SJ, Chan BC, Holder R, Kilby MD. Maternal plasma and amniotic fluid cytokines in monochorionic, diamniotic twin pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Fetal Diagn Ther 2014; 35:280-8. [PMID: 24802980 DOI: 10.1159/000358516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cytokine imbalance has been implicated in placental-related pathologies, i.e. recurrent miscarriage and pre-eclampsia. Such conditions are more prevalent in multiple pregnancies. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is associated with asymmetric placental blood flow and intra-cardiac pressures. We hypothesised that cytokine expression may be aberrant in this condition and that fetoscopic laser ablation (FLA) may cause local cytokine release. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective cohort of monochorionic, diamniotic twins with TTTS (n = 23) was studied. Circulating T helper cell type 1 (TH1)/TH2 maternal cytokines and cytokine-related and angiogenic factors were measured in plasma and amniotic fluid before and after FLA by human FASTQuant or ELISA. Basal comparisons were made with uncomplicated monochorionic and dichorionic (DC) twins. RESULTS Median maternal plasma platelet-derived growth factor-BB was highest in uncomplicated DC twins (p = 0.049), whereas tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 was highest in TTTS twins (p = 0.003). In TTTS amniotic fluid, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-10, IL-4, IL-8, interferon-γ, TIMP-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were significantly higher than maternal plasma concentrations. There were no significant differences in plasma or amniotic fluid cytokines after FLA, with the exception of amniotic fluid keratinocyte growth factor, which was significantly reduced. DISCUSSION TTTS is associated with minimal changes in cytokine levels when compared to uncomplicated twins, although the majority of cytokine levels were higher in amniotic fluid than maternal blood. It does not appear that FLA evokes a significant change in cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Fox
- Fetal Medicine Centre, Birmingham Women's Foundation Trust, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Hui L, Wick HC, Moise KJ, Johnson A, Luks F, Haeri S, Johnson KL, Bianchi DW. Global gene expression analysis of amniotic fluid cell-free RNA from recipient twins with twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Prenat Diagn 2013; 33:873-83. [PMID: 23640821 DOI: 10.1002/pd.4150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to understand the biological pathways involved in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) by performing global gene expression analysis of amniotic fluid (AF) cell-free RNA. METHODS A prospective whole transcriptome microarray study analyzing cell-free RNA in AF from TTTS recipient twins and singleton controls was carried out. Significantly differentially regulated genes in TTTS cases (N = 8) versus matched controls (N = 8) were identified and pathways analyses performed. Significant gene expression differences between stage II TTTS recipients (N = 5) and stage III TTTS recipients with abnormal Doppler measurements (N = 5) were also analyzed. RESULTS Analysis of paired data from TTTS cases and controls revealed differential expression of 801 genes, which were significantly enriched for neurological disease and cardiovascular system pathways. We also identified cardiovascular genes and pathways associated with the presence of critically abnormal Doppler measurements in stage III TTTS recipients. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first transcriptome-wide data on the impact of TTTS on fetal development. Our results show that gene expression involving neurological and cardiovascular pathways are altered in recipient fetuses prior to surgical treatment. This has relevance for the origins of long-term complications seen in survivors and for the development of future fetal biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Hui
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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Whitten AE, Romero R, Korzeniewski SJ, Tarca AL, Schwartz AG, Yeo L, Dong Z, Hassan SS, Chaiworapongsa T. Evidence of an imbalance of angiogenic/antiangiogenic factors in massive perivillous fibrin deposition (maternal floor infarction): a placental lesion associated with recurrent miscarriage and fetal death. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2013; 208:310.e1-310.e11. [PMID: 23333548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPFD) is associated with serious complications of pregnancy including recurrent spontaneous abortion, fetal growth restriction, and fetal demise. The aim of this study was to determine whether maternal plasma concentrations of angiogenic/antiangiogenic factors in MPFD differ from those of uncomplicated pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective longitudinal case-control study included MPFD cases (n = 10) and control patients (n = 175) with uncomplicated pregnancies who were enrolled in a longitudinal study and delivered at term. Serial plasma concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble endoglin (sEng), and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR)-1 and -2 were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cases, n = 28 samples; controls, n = 723 samples). Individual analyte concentrations were averaged across gestational age at specimen collection intervals. Linear mixed models were used to test for differences in log-transformed mean analyte concentrations both overall and as a function of time. RESULTS The following results were found: (1) patients with MPFD had a lower mean plasma PlGF concentration (P = .03) and higher mean plasma concentrations of sVEGFR-1 and sEng (both P < .01) than controls, adjusted for potential confounders; (2) the mean plasma concentration of PlGF differed further among cases and controls as a function of gestational age interval (P < .0001); however, mean sVEGFR-1 and sEng group differences as a function of gestational age interval approached but did not reach significance (P = .09 and P = .11, respectively); (3) patients with MPFD had lower mean plasma concentrations of PlGF/sVEGFR-1 (P < .0001) and PlGF/sEng (P < .001): both of these relationships differed further as a function of gestational age interval (both P < .0001); and (4) differences in mean sVEGFR-1, sEng, and the ratios of PlGF to sVEGFR-1 and PlGF to sEng were observed before 20 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSION An imbalance of angiogenic/antiangiogenic factors is present in patients with MPFD prior to the diagnosis. We propose that these changes participate in the mechanisms responsible for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with MPFD.
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