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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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Pajno C, D'Ambrosio V, D'Alisa R, DI Mascio D, Vena F, Corno S, Spiniello L, Martinino A, Manicone F, Muzii L, Brunelli R, Giancotti A. Fetoscopic laser ablation in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: tips for counselling. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2021; 73:247-252. [PMID: 33851804 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.20.04714-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication that affects approximately 10-15% of monochorionic twin pregnancies. The most important role for the development of this condition is the presence of an unbalanced flow through the inter-twin vascular anastomoses. Depending on the number, type and direction of the connecting vessels, blood can be transfused disproportionately from one twin (the donor) to the other twin (the recipient). The diagnosis is defined prenatally by ultrasound and involves of two main criteria: the presence of a monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancy; and the presence of oligohydramnios in the donor's sac- deep vertical pocket (DVP) 2 cm - and polyhydramnios in the recipient's sac- DVP>8 cm. Once diagnosed, TTTS is usually graded by using the Quintero staging system, that is composed by five stages, from oligohydramnios in the donor and polyhydramnios in the recipient twin to fetal demise in one or both twins. Photocoagulation of the anastomotic vessels, usually followed by equatorial dichorionization, it has currently become the most common fetoscopic operation today and is considered as the gold standard for stage II-IV TTTS. pPROM, chorioamniotic separation and iatrogenic preterm birth are among the most common complications of fetoscopic laser ablation, and the mean gestational age at delivery after laser procedure is about 31 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pajno
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina D'Ambrosio
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy -
| | - Rossella D'Alisa
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele DI Mascio
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Flaminia Vena
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Corno
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Spiniello
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Martinino
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Manicone
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Brunelli
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Giancotti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Chon AH, Chavira ER, Wilson ML, Ingles SA, Llanes A, Chmait RH. The impact of laser surgery on angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors in twin–twin transfusion syndrome: a prospective study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2017; 31:1085-1091. [DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1309020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H. Chon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emiliano R. Chavira
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, San Gabriel Valley Perinatal Medical Group, Monterey Park, CA, USA
| | - Melissa L. Wilson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sue A. Ingles
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arlyn Llanes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ramen H. Chmait
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Shaw CJ, Civale J, Botting KJ, Niu Y, Ter Haar G, Rivens I, Giussani DA, Lees CC. Noninvasive high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome: A preliminary in vivo study. Sci Transl Med 2016; 8:347ra95. [PMID: 27412787 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaf2135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/11/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the efficacy, maternofetal responses, and safety of using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for noninvasive occlusion of placental vasculature compared to sham treatment in anesthetized pregnant sheep. This technique for noninvasive occlusion of placental vasculature may be translatable to the treatment of conditions arising from abnormal placental vasculature, such as twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Eleven pregnant sheep were instrumented with maternal and fetal arterial catheters and time-transit flow probes to monitor cardiovascular, acid-base, and metabolic status, and then exposed to HIFU (n = 5) or sham (n = 6) ablation of placental vasculature through the exposed uterine surface. Placental vascular flow was occluded in 28 of 30 targets, and histological examination confirmed occlusion in 24 of 30 targets. In both HIFU and sham exposures, uterine contact reduced maternal uterine artery flow, but delivery of oxygen and glucose to the fetal brain remained normal. HIFU can consistently occlude in vivo placental vessels and ablate blood flow in a pregnant sheep model. Cardiovascular and metabolic fetal responses suggest that the technique is safe in the short term and potentially translatable to human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline J Shaw
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK. Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - John Civale
- Joint Department of Physics, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Kimberley J Botting
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Youguo Niu
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Gail Ter Haar
- Joint Department of Physics, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Ian Rivens
- Joint Department of Physics, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Christoph C Lees
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to review the natural history, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS A systematic review was performed using MEDLINE database, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. The search was restricted to English-language articles published from 1966 through July 2012. Priority was given to articles reporting original research, in particular randomized controlled trials, although review articles and commentaries also were consulted. Abstracts of research presented at symposia and scientific conferences were not considered adequate for inclusion in this document. Evidence reports and guidelines published by organizations or institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, Agency for Health Research and Quality, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine were also reviewed, and additional studies were located by reviewing bibliographies of identified articles. Consistent with US Preventive Task Force guidelines, references were evaluated for quality based on the highest level of evidence, and recommendations were graded accordingly. RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TTTS is a serious condition that can complicate 8-10% of twin pregnancies with monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) placentation. The diagnosis of TTTS requires 2 criteria: (1) the presence of a MCDA pregnancy; and (2) the presence of oligohydramnios (defined as a maximal vertical pocket of <2 cm) in one sac, and of polyhydramnios (a maximal vertical pocket of >8 cm) in the other sac. The Quintero staging system appears to be a useful tool for describing the severity of TTTS in a standardized fashion. Serial sonographic evaluation should be considered for all twins with MCDA placentation, usually beginning at around 16 weeks and continuing about every 2 weeks until delivery. Screening for congenital heart disease is warranted in all monochorionic twins, in particular those complicated by TTTS. Extensive counseling should be provided to patients with pregnancies complicated by TTTS including natural history of the disease, as well as management options and their risks and benefits. The natural history of stage I TTTS is that more than three-fourths of cases remain stable or regress without invasive intervention, with perinatal survival of about 86%. Therefore, many patients with stage I TTTS may often be managed expectantly. The natural history of advanced (eg, stage ≥III) TTTS is bleak, with a reported perinatal loss rate of 70-100%, particularly when it presents <26 weeks. Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of placental anastomoses is considered by most experts to be the best available approach for stages II, III, and IV TTTS in continuing pregnancies at <26 weeks, but the metaanalysis data show no significant survival benefit, and the long-term neurologic outcomes in the Eurofetus trial were not different than in nonlaser-treated controls. Even laser-treated TTTS is associated with a perinatal mortality rate of 30-50%, and a 5-20% chance of long-term neurologic handicap. Steroids for fetal maturation should be considered at 24 0/7 to 33 6/7 weeks, particularly in pregnancies complicated by stage ≥III TTTS, and those undergoing invasive interventions.
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The Placenta Contributes to Activation of the Renin Angiotensin System in Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Placenta 2008; 29:734-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2008] [Revised: 04/28/2008] [Accepted: 04/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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van Gemert M, van den Wijngaard J, Lopriore E, Lewi L, Deprest J, Vandenbussche F. Simulated Sequential Laser Therapy of Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Placenta 2008; 29:609-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2008] [Revised: 03/27/2008] [Accepted: 04/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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van Gemert MJC, van den Wijngaard JPHM, Lopriore E, Pasman SA, Vandenbussche FPHA. Arterio-venous flow between monochorionic twins determined during intra-uterine transfusion. Phys Med Biol 2008; 53:N109-17. [DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/53/7/n02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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van den Wijngaard JPHM, Umur A, Ross MG, van Gemert MJC. Twin–twin transfusion syndrome: mathematical modelling. Prenat Diagn 2008; 28:280-91. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.1944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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