Neurodevelopmental outcome at 6 years of age after intrauterine laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome

Two Year Neurodevelopmental Outcome after Fetoscopic Laser Therapy for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Comparison with Uncomplicated Monochorionic Diamniotic Twins

BACKGROUND

Twin-twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) represents a significant complication in monochorionic twin pregnancies, caused by an unbalanced shunting of blood through intertwin placental vascular anastomoses. Despite advances in fetoscopic laser surgery, TTTS is still associated with a high rate of cerebral injury. However, there are no studies comparing these pregnancies with uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies, establishing the baseline risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the odds of neurodevelopmental impairment in MCDA twins who undergo fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome, in comparison to a cohort of uncomplicated MCDA twin pregnancies.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study of children born from MCDA twin pregnancies at a single center between 2008 and 2019. A routine, standardized follow-up assessment was conducted at a minimum of 2 years after delivery. The primary outcome of this was a 2 year neurodevelopmental impairment. Neurological, motor, and cognitive development was assessed by using the revised Brunet-Lézine scale.

RESULTS

176 children met the enrolment criteria. Of these, 42 (24%; TTTS group) underwent fetoscopic laser surgery for TTTS during pregnancy, and 134 (76%; uncomplicated MCDA group) were uncomplicated MCDA pregnancies. The primary outcome was found in four children (9.52%) in the TTTS group and ten children (7.46%) in the uncomplicated MCDA group (p = 0.67, aOR 2.82, 95% CI 0.49-16.23). Major neurologic impairment was found in 2.38% after fetoscopic laser surgery and 1.49% in uncomplicated MCDA twins (p = 0.70, aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.22-4.24). The data were adjusted by birth order, birth weight, and gestational age at birth.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome in MCDA twins who underwent fetoscopic laser surgery for TTTS is comparable to the outcome in uncomplicated MCDA twins. Our findings emphasize the need for long-term neurodevelopmental follow-ups in all children from monochorionic twin gestations.

Intertwin Membrane Perforation and Umbilical Cord Entanglement after Laser Surgery for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcome

INTRODUCTION

Perforation of the intertwin membrane can occur as a complication of fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Data on the occurrence and the risk of subsequent cord entanglement are limited. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors and outcome of intertwin membrane perforation, and cord entanglement after laser surgery for TTTS.

METHODS

In this multicenter retrospective study, we included all TTTS pregnancies treated with laser surgery in two fetal therapy centers, Shanghai (China) and Leiden (the Netherlands) between 2002 and 2020. We evaluated the occurrence of intertwin membrane perforation and cord entanglement after laser, based on routine fortnightly ultrasound examination and investigated the risk factors and the association with adverse short- and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Perforation of the intertwin membrane occurred in 118 (16%) of the 761 TTTS pregnancies treated with laser surgery and was followed by cord entanglement in 21% (25/118). Perforation of the intertwin membrane was associated with higher laser power settings, 45.8 Watt versus 42.2 Watt (p = 0.029) and a second fetal surgery procedure 17% versus 6% (p < 0.001). The group with intertwin membrane perforation had a higher rate of caesarean section (77% vs. 31%, p < 0.001) and a lower gestational age at birth (30.7 vs. 33.3 weeks of gestation, p < 0.001) compared to the group with an intact intertwin membrane. Severe cerebral injury occurred more often in the group with intertwin membrane perforation, 9% (17/185) versus 5% (42/930), respectively (p = 0.019). Neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of age was similar between the groups with and without perforation of the intertwin membrane and between the subgroups with and without cord entanglement.

CONCLUSION

Perforation of the intertwin membrane after laser occurred in 16% of TTTS cases treated with laser and led to cord entanglement in at least 1 in 5 cases. Intertwin membrane perforation was associated with a lower gestational age at birth and a higher rate of severe cerebral injury in surviving neonates.

Long-term follow-up of complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies: Focus on neurodevelopment

Monochorionic twin pregnancies have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Due to the advancements in screening and treatment strategies, mortality rates have decreased. Improving survival rates demands a shift in scope toward long-term outcomes. In this review, we focus on neurodevelopmental outcome in survivors from complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies, including twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS), acute peripartum TTTS, acute perimortem TTTS, selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) and monoamnionicity. Our aim is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the long-term outcome in survivors, including psychomotor development and quality of life, and provide recommendations for future research and follow-up programs.

Neurodevelopmental Trajectories of Preterm Born Survivors of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: From Birth to 5 Years of Age

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the neurodevelopmental outcome at age 2 and 5 years in survivors of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated with fetoscopic laser surgery and born premature and/or small for gestational age.

STUDY DESIGN

At 2 and 5 years of age, standardized neurologic, motor, and cognitive assessments were performed by a neonatologist, a pediatric physical therapist, and a psychologist. Behavior was assessed using a validated questionnaire completed by parents.

RESULTS

Neurodevelopmental assessment at both time points was available for 73 survivors of TTTS. Mild to moderate neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) was detected in 34% of survivors (25 of 73) at 5 years, compared with 25% (18 of 73) at 2 years (P = .178). Severe NDI was observed in 12% (9 of 73) at 5 years and in 3% (2 of 73) at 2 years (P = .035). Mean cognitive score was lower at the 5-year follow-up (90.7 ± 12.3 vs 95.6 ± 13.1 at 2 years; P = .001), and more children were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment at 5 years (29% vs 11% at 2 years; P = .007). When comparing individual outcomes at both time points, 35% (25 of 71) moved from a normal outcome or mild to moderate impairment at 2 years toward more severe impairment at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

A high rate of mild to moderate cognitive impairment and severe NDI at age 5 years was not identified at age 2 years. Our data highlight the importance of longitudinal follow-up of survivors of TTTS beyond age 2 years and emphasize the precautions that should be taken when diagnosing an absence of impairment before school age.

Perinatal risk factors of neurodevelopmental impairment after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for twin-twin transfusion syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Monochorionic twins with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated with fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). This meta-analysis aimed to identify the prevalence of and perinatal risk factors for NDI in TTTS survivors treated with FLP.

METHODS

We performed a search in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science, from inception to 13 February 2021, for studies evaluating perinatal risk factors for NDI in children diagnosed prenatally with TTTS managed by FLP. Data on severity of TTTS at the time of diagnosis, defined according to the Quintero staging system, FLP-related complications and perinatal outcomes were compared between children with a history of TTTS treated with FLP with and those without NDI, which was defined as performance on a cognitive or developmental assessment tool ≥ 2 SD below the mean or a defined motor or sensory disability. A random-effects model was used to pool the mean differences or odds ratios (OR) with the corresponding 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.

RESULTS

Nine studies with a total of 1499 TTTS survivors were included. The overall incidence of NDI was 14.0% (95% CI, 9.0-18.0%). The occurrence of NDI in TTTS survivors was associated with later gestational age (GA) at FLP (mean difference, 0.94 weeks (95% CI, 0.50-1.38 weeks); P < 0.0001, I²  = 0%), earlier GA at delivery (mean difference, -1.44 weeks (95% CI, -2.28 to -0.61 weeks); P = 0.0007, I²  = 49%) and lower birth weight (mean difference, -343.26 g (95% CI, -470.59 to -215.92 g); P < 0.00001, I²  = 27%). Evaluation of different GA cut-offs showed that preterm birth before 32 weeks was associated with higher risk for NDI later in childhood (OR, 2.25 (95% CI, 1.02-4.94); P = 0.04, I²  = 35%). No statistically significant difference was found between cases with and those without NDI with respect to Quintero stage of TTTS, recipient or donor status, development of postlaser twin anemia-polycythemia sequence, recurrence of TTTS and incidence of small- for-gestational age or cotwin fetal demise.

CONCLUSIONS

TTTS survivors with later GA at the time of FLP, earlier GA at delivery and lower birth weight are at higher risk of developing NDI. No significant association was found between Quintero stage of TTTS and risk of NDI. Our findings may be helpful for parental counseling and highlight the need for future studies to understand better the risk factors for NDI in TTTS survivors. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Neurologic Outcomes After Prenatal Treatment of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Monochorionic twin gestations possess disproportionately higher risk for perinatal morbidity and mortality when compared with dichorionic twin pregnancies due to their potential to develop specific complications attributable to a shared placenta and intertwin placental circulation. Since the advent of fetoscopic laser surgery, outcomes of pregnancies affected by twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) have improved, with reduced rates of mortality and morbidity when compared with amnioreduction or expectant management. The focus of this article is to review the literature regarding neurologic outcomes among pediatric survivors of fetal intervention for TTTS.

Fetal neurodevelopmental recovery in donors after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome

BACKGROUND

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) provide a unique opportunity to non-invasively measure markers of neurodevelopment in survivors of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

OBJECTIVE

To characterize fetal brain maturation after laser surgery for TTTS by measuring brain volumes and cerebral metabolite concentrations using fetal MRI + MRS.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study of dual surviving fetuses treated with laser surgery for TTTS. At 4-5 postoperative weeks, fetal MRI was used together with novel image analysis to automatically extract major brain tissue volumes. Fetal MRS was used to measure major metabolite concentrations in the fetal brain.

RESULTS

Twenty-one twin pairs were studied. The average (±SD) gestational age at MRI was 25.89 (±2.37) weeks. Total brain volume (TBV) was lower in the donors, although cerebral volumes were not different between twin pairs. Recipients showed lower proportions of cortical and cerebellar volumes, normalized to TBV and cerebral volumes. MRS data showed that biochemical differences between twin brains were related to discrepancy in their brain volumes.

CONCLUSION

Although donors have a smaller TBV compared to recipients, proportionality of brain tissue volumes are preserved in donors. MRS maturational markers of fetal brain development show that recovery in donors persists 4 weeks after surgery.

Neurodevelopmental impairment at 3 years of age after fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

BACKGROUND

Data on neurodevelopmental outcomes of children surviving after fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) are scarce.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated children surviving after FLS for TTTS at 16 to 26 weeks' gestation between 2003 and 2014. Children were evaluated by standardized neurologic examinations using the Kyoto Scale 2001 at a corrected age of 3 years ± 6 months. Neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) was defined as cerebral palsy (CP), bilateral blindness, bilateral deafness or a developmental quotient (DQ) < 70 points. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at term-equivalent age.

RESULTS

A total of 188 children from 110 twin pregnancies were evaluated. NDI was detected in 16/188 (8.5%) children, including six cases of CP (3.2%). No children had bilateral blindness or deafness. An earlier gestational age at delivery was associated with a higher incidence of NDI (P < .001). Abnormal brain MRI findings were detected in 9/16 (56%) of children with NDI, including 6/6 (100%) with CP.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of NDI in children following FLS at 3 years old was 8.5%. Prematurity is a strong risk factor for NDI. Brain MRI may predict the development of CP.

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome in the era of fetoscopic laser surgery: antenatal management, neonatal outcome and beyond

Introduction: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a devastating complication of monochorionic twin pregnancy and remains a major challenge for worldwide fetal medicine specialists. In TTTS, intertwin transfusion through vascular anastomoses in the shared placenta leads to severe hemodynamic imbalance. This review summarizes the current knowledge of TTTS.Areas covered: The most recent insights concerning the management of TTTS, as well as fetal and neonatal complications are described. Relevant articles were selected based on a Pubmed search using the keywords below. Understanding of the underlying pathophysiology has improved greatly as a result of placental injection studies. Advancements in antenatal management have led to increased perinatal survival and a decreased incidence of neonatal complications, including brain injury and neurodevelopmental impairment.Expert opinion: Further opportunities for improvement comprise technological innovations in laser procedures and the prevention of preterm rupture of membranes with subsequent prematurity. A noninvasive treatment such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) seems to hold promise for the future treatment of TTTS. Fetal MRI studies are important to improve our understanding of fetal brain injury and should relate their findings to long-term neurodevelopment. International collaboration and centralization of care are of paramount importance to ensure the best care for our patients.

Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Is there still Room for Improvement?

Despite many developments in its management, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) remains an important risk factor for long-term neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). Our objective was to compare the incidence of severe NDI in a recent cohort of TTTS survivors, treated with laser surgery from 2011 to 2014, with a previous cohort treated from 2008 to 2010. Neurological, cognitive, and motor development were assessed at two years of age. We determined risk factors associated with Bayley-III scores. Severe NDI occurred in 7/241 (3%) survivors in the new cohort compared to 10/169 (6%) in the previous cohort (p = 0.189). Disease-free survival (survival without severe impairment) did not significantly differ. Low birth weight and being small for gestational age (SGA) were independently associated with lower cognitive scores (both p < 0.01). Severe cerebral injury was related to decreased motor scores (B = −14.10; 95% CI −3.16, −25.04; p = 0.012). Children with severe NDI were born ≥32 weeks’ gestation in 53% of cases and had no evidence of cerebral injury on cranial ultrasound in 59% of cases. Our results suggest that improvement in outcome of TTTS has reached a plateau. Low birth weight, SGA, and cerebral injury are risk factors for poor neurodevelopmental outcome. Neither gestational age above 32 weeks nor the absence of cerebral injury preclude severe NDI.

Outcome reporting across randomized trials and observational studies evaluating treatments for twin-twin transfusion syndrome: systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Potential treatments for the condition require robust evaluation. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome reporting across observational studies and randomized controlled trials assessing treatments for TTTS.

METHODS

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched from inception to August 2016. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials reporting outcome following treatment for TTTS in monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy and monochorionic-triamniotic or dichorionic-triamniotic triplet pregnancy were included. Outcome reporting was systematically extracted and categorized.

RESULTS

Six randomized trials and 94 observational studies were included, reporting data from 20 071 maternal participants and 3199 children. Six different treatments were evaluated. Included studies reported 62 different outcomes, including six fetal, seven offspring mortality, 25 neonatal, six early childhood and 18 maternal/operative outcomes. Outcomes were reported inconsistently across trials. For example, when considering offspring mortality, 31 (31%) studies reported live birth, 31 (31%) reported intrauterine death, 49 (49%) reported neonatal mortality and 17 (17%) reported perinatal mortality. Four (4%) studies reported respiratory distress syndrome. Only 19 (19%) studies were designed for long-term follow-up and 11 (11%) of these reported cerebral palsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies evaluating treatments for TTTS have often neglected to report clinically important outcomes, especially neonatal morbidity outcomes, and most are not designed for long-term follow-up. The development of a core outcome set could help standardize outcome collection and reporting in TTTS studies. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Long-term outcomes for monochorionic twins after laser therapy in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome typically occurs in the second trimester in 10-15% of monochorionic twin pregnancies. Vascular anastomoses of monochorionic placentae are the underlying cause of the development of the syndrome. If a blood flow imbalance occurs, one fetus becomes the so-called donor twin and the other the recipient. If untreated, perinatal mortality is 80-90%. Fetoscopic laser coagulation of the vascular anastomoses destroys the cause of the syndrome and leads to dual twin survival rates of around 70% and more than 90% of pregnancies with at least one survivor. However, unequal placental sharing, intrauterine death, and severe prematurity are still limiting factors for further improvement of survival rates and decreases in long-term morbidity. Prematurity and neurodevelopmental impairment affect the donor and recipient twins, whereas cardiovascular failure and obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract are typical complications of recipients, which can lead to long-term morbidity. In this Review, we summarise the literature on follow-up data for survivors of twin-to-twin-transfusion syndrome after laser therapy, including neurodevelopmental outcomes, cardiovascular outcomes, growth, renal function, and ischaemic events, as well as the potential effects of intrauterine programming on later life.

Fetoscopic laser coagulation in 1020 pregnancies with twin-twin transfusion syndrome demonstrates improvement in double-twin survival rate

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the growing experience and learning curve of fetoscopic laser coagulation of the placental vascular anastomoses in severe mid-trimester twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and its influence on perinatal outcome in a single-center setting.

METHODS

Between January 1995 and March 2013 we performed laser therapy in 1020 consecutive pregnancies with TTTS between 15.1 and 27.4 weeks' gestation. We compared perinatal outcome in blocks of five sequential groups of 200 cases, taking into account several covariates in order to adjust for case mix and to demonstrate learning curves and success rates.

RESULTS

The percentage of pregnancies with survival of both fetuses increased from 50.0% (n = 100) in the first 200 cases to 69.5% (n = 153) in the last 220 cases (P = 0.018 for trend) and the overall survival rate for both fetuses in the complete series of 1019 cases with known outcome was 63.3% (n = 645). The survival rate of at least one fetus increased from 80.5% (161/200) in the first group to 91.8% (202/220) in the last group (P = 0.072 for trend) and the overall survival rate of at least one fetus in the complete series was 86.7% (883/1019). In the total population, the mean gestational age at delivery of pregnancies with at least one liveborn neonate was 33.7 ± 3.2 weeks, with a mean interval of 12.9 ± 4.0 weeks between intervention and delivery. Among the first two groups, 124 pregnancies had anterior placentae and were treated with a 0° fetoscope. These cases had the poorest overall outcome, with a double-twin survival rate of 44.4% (55/124), which increased to 65.1% (207/318; P = 0.001) after the introduction of a 30° fetoscope for cases with anterior placenta. The success rate for double-twin survival reached a plateau of 69% at 600 procedures, a rate equalled by a new operator who was trained hands-on and performed 174 of the last 400 procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the largest single-center experience of laser coagulation in TTTS. We observed a continuous increase in double-twin survival rate owing to the growing experience based on the learning curve and refinements in fetoscopic instruments and techniques. These data provide strong arguments for the centralization of minimally invasive intrauterine surgery in specialized high-volume centers. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome: neurodevelopment of infants treated with laser surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess the neurodevelopmental functions of survivors of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated by fetoscopic laser coagulation (FLC), during the first year of life, comparing them to a control group; and to verify the influence of specific variables on neurodevelopment.

METHOD

This was a prospective, longitudinal study. The sample comprised 33 monochorionic diamniotic twins who underwent FLC for treatment of TTTS and 22 full-term infants of single-fetus pregnancies. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Screening Test were used for evaluation. Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal information were obtained.

RESULTS

There was an increased frequency of infants in the TTTS group with inadequate performance compared to the control group. The identified variables (fetal donor, low economic income and cardiorespiratory disease) negatively impacted expressive communication and fine motor skills.

CONCLUSION

Although through follow-up is recommended in all TTTS survivors, particular attention is required for the high-risk group as defined in this study.

Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Survivors of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a severe complication of monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies associated with high perinatal mortality and morbidity rates. Management in TTTS is a major challenge for obstetricians and neonatologists. Twins with TTTS are often born prematurely after an extremely distressing and highly hazardous fetal period. Follow-up studies report varying rates of cerebral palsy (CP) and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). This review discusses the latest findings on the long-term outcome of TTTS survivors, possible risk factors for long-term impairment, and provides recommendations for future research.

The Impact of Entry Technique and Access Diameter on Prelabour Rupture of Membranes Following Primary Fetoscopic Laser Treatment for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the impact of entry method and access diameter at fetoscopic surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome in twin pregnancies with at least one survivor. The outcomes evaluated were prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM) and birth <4 weeks, preterm birth (PTB) <28 weeks, and latency to birth. Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of consecutive laser procedures from 6 centers was performed. Three entry methods (sheath + trocar; cannula + trocar; cannula + Seldinger) and 6 access diameters (2.3, 3.0, 3.3, 3.5, 3.8, 4.0 mm) were used. Exclusion criteria were subsequent invasive interventions, termination of pregnancy or double fetal death after laser. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine risk factors for the study outcomes. Results: Six hundred seventy three fetoscopic laser cases were analyzed. The use of different entry methods and access diameters did not affect PROM or birth <4 weeks, or latency from laser to birth. Access diameter was associated with PTB <28 weeks. Cervical length was associated with PROM and birth <4 weeks, and latency from laser to birth. Conclusion: Instrument choice at fetoscopic laser procedures did not affect outcomes <4 weeks. Access diameter may affect the likelihood for PTB <28 weeks. Cervical length is critically associated with obstetrical outcomes following laser surgery.

Neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years in twin-twin transfusion syndrome survivors randomized for the Solomon trial

BACKGROUND

The preferred treatment for twin-twin transfusion syndrome is fetoscopic laser coagulation of inter-twin vascular anastomoses on the monochorionic placenta. Severe postoperative complications can occur when inter-twin vascular anastomoses remain patent including twin-anemia polycythemia sequence or recurrent twin-twin transfusion syndrome. To minimize the occurrence of residual anastomoses, a modified laser surgery technique, the Solomon technique, was developed in which the entire vascular equator is coagulated. In the Solomon randomized controlled trial (NTR1245), the Solomon technique was associated with a significant reduction in twin-anemia polycythemia sequence and recurrence of twin-twin transfusion syndrome when compared with the standard laser surgery technique. Although a significant improvement in perinatal outcome was shown after the Solomon technique, the clinical importance should also be ascertained with long-term follow-up evaluation of the surviving children.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in surviving children with twin-twin transfusion syndrome who were included in the Solomon randomized trial and treated with either the Solomon technique or standard laser surgery technique.

STUDY DESIGN

Routine standardized follow-up evaluation in survivors, at least 2 years after the estimated date of delivery, was performed at 2 of the 5 centers that participated in the Solomon trial: Buzzi Hospital Milan (Italy) and Leiden University Medical Center (The Netherlands). The primary outcome of this follow-up study was survival without long-term neurodevelopmental impairment at age 2 years. Neurodevelopmental impairment was defined as cerebral palsy, cognitive and/or motor development score of <85, bilateral blindness, or deafness. Cognitive and motor development was evaluated with the use of Bayley-III. All analyses per fetus, neonate, or child were conducted with the generalized estimated equation module to account for the effect that observations between co-twins are not independent.

RESULTS

The primary outcome (survival without neurodevelopmental impairment) was detected in 95 of 141 cases (67%) in the Solomon group and in 99 of 146 cases (68%) in the standard group (P = .92). Neurodevelopmental impairment in long-term survivors who were included for follow-up evaluation was detected in 12 of 107 cases (11%) in the Solomon and in 10 of 109 cases (9%) in the standard group (P = .61). Neurodevelopmental impairment was due to cerebral palsy in 1 case (1%; spastic unilateral) in the Solomon group and in 2 cases (2%; spastic unilateral and spastic bilateral) in the standard group (P = .58). Cognitive development <85 cases was detected in 2 of 105 children (2%) in the Solomon group and in 6 of 106 children (6%) in the standard group (P = .23). Motor development <85 occurred in 8 of 103 children (8%) in the Solomon group and 3 of 104 children (3%) in the standard group (P = .23).

CONCLUSION

We found no difference in survival without neurodevelopmental impairment between the Solomon and standard laser techniques. In view of the reduction of short-term complications and the absence of increased adverse long-term effects, these data support the use of the Solomon technique in the treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome: neurodevelopmental screening test

OBJECTIVE

To assess the neurodevelopmental functions (cognition, language and motor function) of survivors of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

METHOD

Observational cross-sectional study of a total of 67 monochorionic diamniotic twins who underwent fetoscopic laser coagulation (FLC) for treatment of TTTS. The study was conducted at the Center for Investigation in Pediatrics (CIPED), Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Ages ranged from one month and four days to two years four months. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Screening Test-III, were used for evaluation.

RESULTS

Most children reached the competent category and were classified as having appropriate performance. The preterm children scored worse than term infants for gross motor subtest (p = 0.036).

CONCLUSION

The majority of children reached the expected development according to their age. Despite the good neurodevelopment, children classified at risk should be monitored for development throughout childhood.

Long-term neurologic outcomes after common fetal interventions

OBJECTIVE

Fetal interventions have clearly decreased mortality, but the neurological outcomes of survivors are of critical concern. Here we consolidated available data on long-term neurological outcomes after common fetal interventions to guide counseling, management, and future research.

STUDY DESIGN

Published studies assessing long-term neurological outcomes after common fetal interventions from 1990 through 2014 were collected. We included all studies with a cohort of more than 5 patients and with follow-up of 1 year or longer. We divided procedures into those performed for singletons and for multiples. Singleton procedures included amnioinfusion for preterm premature rupture of membranes, intrauterine transfusion for red cell alloimmunization-associated anemia, intrauterine transfusion for parvovirus-associated anemia, vesicoamniotic shunts, thoracoamniotic shunts, ventriculoamniotic shunts, fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion for congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and open fetal cases by myelomeningocele and others. Multiple procedures included those done for monochorionic twins including serial amnioreduction, selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation, and selective termination.

RESULTS

Of 1341 studies identified, 28 met the inclusion criteria. We combined available literature for all procedures. Studies varied in their length of follow-up and method of assessing neurological status. Neurological outcome after intervention varied by procedure but was normal in 40-93%, mildly impaired in 3-33%, and severely impaired in 1-40%. Follow-up to school age was rare with the exception of procedures for monochorionic twins.

CONCLUSION

Fetal treatments have been successful in achieving survival in previously hopeless cases, but success should also be determined by the outcomes of survivors. Except for monochorionic twins, there is a dearth of reported long-term outcomes. Standardized reporting of long-term neurological sequelae is imperative so that meaningful analysis and study comparisons can be made.

Long term developmental outcomes of pre-school age children following laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

BACKGROUND

Laser therapy is now a well recognised treatment for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). We investigated the early childhood neurodevelopmental outcome of children post laser treatment for TTTS in our centre.

METHODS

Children of women who had laser therapy for TTTS between March 2006 and June 2008 were assessed at 30-69 months of age with WPPSI-III and a general health questionnaire. Major neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) was reported as IQ<70 or cerebral palsy (CP). Borderline cognitive impairment was defined by IQ 70-79.

RESULTS

Amongst the 37 pregnancies treated, 62 infants were discharged home and the overall foetal survival rate was 84%. A total of 50 children (84%) from 31 pregnancies were assessed. Average age at assessment was 47 months. Two children with late treatment of congenital hypothyroidism were excluded. The majority of pregnancies were Quintero Stage III (74%). There was a significant trend for worse outcome with higher Quintero stage. The average gestational age at birth was 32 weeks. The majority (39, 78%) of children were found to be neurodevelopmentally normal; 9 (18%) had borderline cognitive development; and 2 (4%) had a major NDI, including one with cerebral palsy (2%).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a modest level of neurocognitive impairment post laser therapy for TTTS, mainly borderline cognitive development, lesser so major NDI. There was a low incidence of cerebral palsy. Routine developmental and neurological follow-up of these children is recommended.

Predictors of 2-year cognitive performance after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for poor cognitive performance among children who are treated with in utero selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospectively enrolled cohort study. Cognitive performance at age 2 years (±6 weeks) was assessed with the Battelle Developmental Inventory 2nd Edition (BDI-2). Multilevel regression models evaluated risk factors for poor cognitive performance at shared (pregnancy) and individual (child) levels. In addition to development, blindness, deafness, and cerebral palsy were assessed based on physical examination. A priori power analysis determined that a sample of ≥100 children was required for adequate statistical power (0.80).

RESULTS

One hundred children (57 families) were evaluated. Total BDI-2 score was within normal range (mean, 101.3 ± [SD]12.2); 1 child had a BDI-2 score of <70. Individual child-level risk factors for lower BDI-2 included male sex (β = -0.37; P < .01), lower head circumference (β = 0.28; P < .01), and higher diastolic blood pressure (β = -0.29; P < .01). At the pregnancy level, lower maternal education (β = 0.60; P < .001), higher Quintero stage (β = -0.36; P < .01), and lower gestational age at birth (β = 0.30; P < .01) were associated with worse cognitive outcomes. Donor/recipient status, gestational age at surgery, fetal growth restriction, and co-twin fetal death were not risk factors. The rate of neurodevelopmental impairment (blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy, and/or a BDI-2 score <70) was 4%.

CONCLUSION

Overall cognitive performance quotients were in the normal range, with risk factors for poor outcomes seen at the pregnancy and child levels. Clinical and socioeconomic characteristics can identify at-risk children who need additional interventions.