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Baschat AA, Miller JL. Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of twin anemia polycythemia sequence in monochorionic multiple gestations. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 84:115-126. [PMID: 35450772 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.03.012] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is a consequence of unequal sharing of red blood cells between monochorionic twins resulting in anemia in the donor and polycythemia in the recipient twin. Prenatally TAPS can occur spontaneously or complicate incomplete laser surgery for twin transfusion syndrome. While there may be clinical overlap with twin transfusion syndrome or selective fetal growth restriction, diagnosis relies on Doppler measurement of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocities. Significantly discordant velocities are diagnostic, while severity staging is based on signs of cardiovascular compromise. Conservative management, fetoscopic laser coagulation, selective twin reduction, fetal blood and exchange transfusion, and delivery may be selected guided by the gestational age of diagnosis, the severity of the condition, the likelihood of success, and the patients' priorities. Prenatal curative treatment that minimizes the risk for prematurity and residual morbidity at birth is most likely to offer the greatest short-term and long-term benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet A Baschat
- Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, USA.
| | - Jena L Miller
- Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, USA
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Giorgione V, D'antonio F, Manji A, Reed K, Khalil A. Perinatal outcome of pregnancy complicated by twin anemia-polycythemia sequence: systematic review and meta-analysis. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2021; 58:813-823. [PMID: 33428243 DOI: 10.1002/uog.23585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the perinatal outcome of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies complicated by twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS), according to the type of TAPS (spontaneous or postlaser) and the management option adopted. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies reporting on the outcome of twin pregnancies complicated by TAPS. Inclusion criteria were non-anomalous MCDA twin pregnancies with a diagnosis of TAPS. The primary outcome was perinatal mortality; secondary outcomes were neonatal morbidity and preterm birth (PTB). The outcomes were stratified according to the type of TAPS (spontaneous or following laser treatment for twin-twin transfusion syndrome) and the management option adopted (expectant, laser surgery, intrauterine transfusion (IUT) or selective reduction (SR)). Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Perinatal outcome was assessed according to whether TAPS occurred spontaneously or after laser treatment in 506 pregnancies (38 studies). Intrauterine death (IUD) occurred in 5.2% (95% CI, 3.6-7.1%) of twins with spontaneous TAPS and in 10.2% (95% CI, 7.4-13.3%) of those with postlaser TAPS, while the corresponding rates of neonatal death were 4.0% (95% CI, 2.6-5.7%) and 9.2% (95% CI, 6.6-12.3%), respectively. Severe neonatal morbidity occurred in 29.3% (95% CI, 25.6-33.1%) of twins after spontaneous TAPS and in 33.3% (95% CI, 17.4-51.8%) after postlaser TAPS, while the corresponding rates of severe neurological morbidity were 4.0% (95% CI, 3.5-5.7%) and 11.1% (95% CI, 6.2-17.2%), respectively. PTB complicated 86.3% (95% CI, 77.2-93.3%) of pregnancies with spontaneous TAPS and all cases with postlaser TAPS (100% (95% CI, 84.3-100%)). Iatrogenic PTB was more frequent than spontaneous PTB in both groups. Perinatal outcome was assessed according to the management option adopted in 417 pregnancies (21 studies). IUD occurred in 9.8% (95% CI, 4.3-17.1%) of twins managed expectantly and in 13.1% (95% CI, 9.2-17.6%), 12.1% (95% CI, 7.7-17.3%) and 7.6% (95% CI, 1.3-18.5%) of those treated with laser surgery, IUT and SR, respectively. Severe neonatal morbidity affected 27.3% (95% CI, 13.6-43.6%) of twins in the expectant-management group, 28.7% (95% CI, 22.7-35.1%) of those in the laser-surgery group, 38.2% (95% CI, 18.3-60.5%) of those in the IUT group and 23.3% (95% CI, 10.5-39.2%) of those in the SR group. PTB complicated 80.4% (95% CI, 59.8-94.8%), 73.4% (95% CI, 48.1-92.3%), 100% (95% CI, 76.5-100%) and 100% (95% CI, 39.8-100%) of pregnancies after expectant management, laser surgery, IUT and SR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The present meta-analysis provides pooled estimates of the risks of perinatal mortality, neonatal morbidity and PTB in twin pregnancies complicated by TAPS, stratified by the type of TAPS and the management option adopted. Although a direct comparison could not be performed, the results from this systematic review suggest that spontaneous TAPS may have a better prognosis than postlaser TAPS. No differences in terms of mortality and morbidity were observed when comparing different management options for TAPS, although these findings should be interpreted with caution in view of the limitations of the included studies. Individualized prenatal management, taking into account the severity of TAPS and gestational age, is currently the recommended strategy. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Giorgione
- Twin Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
| | - F D'antonio
- Center for Fetal Care and High-risk Pregnancy, University of Chieti, Italy
| | - A Manji
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - K Reed
- Twins Trust, Aldershot, UK
| | - A Khalil
- Twin Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
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Hill KM, Masoudian P, Fung-Kee-Fung K, El Demellawy D. Intrauterine Interventions for the Treatment of Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2018; 41:981-991. [PMID: 31230662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is a complication of monochorionic, multiple gestation pregnancies in which blood shunting through placental anastomoses results in chronic anemia in one fetus and chronic polycythemia in another. The outcomes of different treatment modalities for TAPS are not well known. OBJECTIVE To determine the outcomes of the intrauterine interventions used to treat TAPS. STUDY DESIGN A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL was performed in June 2016. Primary outcomes were mortality, morbidity, and adverse perinatal outcomes. Data were summarized in the form of weighted means, and statistical difference was determined. RESULTS Twenty-one articles were identified for inclusion in this review and were composed of 105 cases of TAPS. In the cases presented in the literature, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality, morbidity, or emergent Caesarean section rates between expectant management, intrauterine transfusion (IUT), and laser ablation therapy. Laser ablation therapy and IUT were found to have a significantly lower rate of adverse perinatal outcomes when compared to expectantly managed cases. CONCLUSIONS The literature looking into the treatment of TAPS is very limited, with no randomized controlled trials and only one includable comparative study. Based on the data in the case report and case study literature, there is no mortality difference between any of the treatment modalities. Expectant management may be associated with an increase in adverse perinatal outcomes when compared to laser therapy and IUT. More comparative studies are needed to assist clinicians in adopting an evidence-based approach to the treatment of TAPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Hill
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
| | | | - Karen Fung-Kee-Fung
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON
| | - Dina El Demellawy
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON; Department of Pediatric Pathology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON.
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Bahtiyar M, Ekmekci E, Demirel E, Irani R, Copel J. In utero Partial Exchange Transfusion Combined with in utero Blood Transfusion for Prenatal Management of Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence. Fetal Diagn Ther 2018. [DOI: 10.1159/000486198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Prenatal diagnosis of spontaneous twin anemia-polycythemia sequence and postnatal examination of placental vascular anastomoses. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2016; 59:539-543. [PMID: 27896259 PMCID: PMC5120076 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.2016.59.6.539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is characterized by a wide discrepancy of hemoglobin between two monochorionic fetuses without sign of twin oligo-polyhydramnios sequence. A primiparous woman with monochorionic diamniotic twin transferred for preterm labor. Ultrasonographic evaluation at 32+3 weeks of gestation revealed increased middle cerebral artery-peak systolic velocity (77.4 cm/sec, 1.69 multiples of median) in donor and decreased in recipient twin (36.4 cm/sec, 0.79 multiples of median), the twin was diagnosed with TAPS. Repeated cesarean section was performed at 32+5 weeks of gestation following preeclampsia and preterm labor. After delivery, TAPS was confirmed through neonatal hematologic examination. There were no signs of acute hemorrhagic shock or brain injury. Placental evaluation via dye infusion and barium angiogram revealed one arterioarterial anastomoses with six arteriovenous anastomoses of placenta. We report a prenatally diagnosed case of spontaneous TAPS with arterioarterial and arteriovenous anastomoses and suggest careful monitoring of monochorionic twin and opinion on placenta vascular architecture.
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Moaddab A, Nassr AA, Espinoza J, Ruano R, Bateni ZH, Shamshirsaz AA, Mandy GT, Welty SE, Erfani H, Popek EJ, Belfort MA, Shamshirsaz AA. Twin anemia polycythemia sequence: a single center experience and literature review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016; 205:158-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Yamamoto R, Ishii K, Mabuchi A, Oota S, Haino K, Hayashi S, Kanagawa T, Mitsusda N. Prior uterine bleeding is associated with low visibility due to discolored amniotic fluid on fetoscopic laser photocoagulation. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2016; 42:1652-1656. [PMID: 27647818 DOI: 10.1111/jog.13133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the association between uterine bleeding preceding fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) and the presence of discolored amniotic fluid that impedes FLP. METHODS A retrospective review of all multiple gestations requiring FLP at the present institution was conducted. The rate of low visibility because of discolored amniotic fluid at the beginning of FLP was compared between patients with and without a history of uterine bleeding, defined as either genital bleeding or ultrasonographically detected subchorionic hematoma. RESULTS The prevalence of low visibility because of discolored amniotic fluid was 4.5% (seven in 156 patients). Two of the seven cases of low visibility resulted in double fetal death. The incidence of low visibility was significantly higher in the group with uterine bleeding before surgery compared with that without bleeding (28.6% vs 0.74%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with a history of uterine bleeding prior to FLP may encounter more technical difficulties owing to discolored amniotic fluid during FLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ishii
- Department of Obstetrics, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Aki Mabuchi
- Department of Obstetrics, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shiyo Oota
- Department of Obstetrics, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Haino
- Department of Obstetrics, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shusaku Hayashi
- Department of Obstetrics, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kanagawa
- Department of Obstetrics, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Mitsusda
- Department of Obstetrics, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan
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Slaghekke F, Zhao DP, Middeldorp JM, Klumper FJ, Haak MC, Oepkes D, Lopriore E. Antenatal management of twin-twin transfusion syndrome and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence. Expert Rev Hematol 2016; 9:815-20. [PMID: 27322562 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2016.1200968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS) are severe complications in monochorionic twin pregnancies associated with high mortality and morbidity risk if left untreated. Both diseases result from imbalanced inter-twin blood transfusion through placental vascular anastomoses. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the differences in antenatal management between TTTS and TAPS. Expert commentary: The optimal management for TTTS is fetoscopic laser coagulation of the vascular anastomoses, preferably using the Solomon technique in which the whole vascular equator is coagulated. The Solomon technique is associated with a reduction of residual anastomosis and a reduction in post-operative complications. The optimal management for TAPS is not clear and includes expectant management, intra-uterine transfusion with or without partial exchange transfusion and fetoscopic laser surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke Slaghekke
- a Division of Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics , Leiden University Medical Centre , Leiden , The Netherlands
| | - Depeng P Zhao
- b Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Leiden University Medical Centre , Leiden , The Netherlands
| | - Johanna M Middeldorp
- a Division of Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics , Leiden University Medical Centre , Leiden , The Netherlands
| | - Frans J Klumper
- a Division of Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics , Leiden University Medical Centre , Leiden , The Netherlands
| | - Monique C Haak
- a Division of Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics , Leiden University Medical Centre , Leiden , The Netherlands
| | - Dick Oepkes
- a Division of Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics , Leiden University Medical Centre , Leiden , The Netherlands
| | - Enrico Lopriore
- b Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Leiden University Medical Centre , Leiden , The Netherlands
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Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence: Current Views on Pathogenesis, Diagnostic Criteria, Perinatal Management, and Outcome. Twin Res Hum Genet 2016; 19:222-33. [PMID: 27068715 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2016.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Monochorionic twins share a single placenta and are connected with each other through vascular anastomoses. Unbalanced inter-twin blood transfusion may lead to various complications, including twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS). TAPS was first described less than a decade ago, and the pathogenesis of TAPS results from slow blood transfusion from donor to recipient through a few minuscule vascular anastomoses. This gradually leads to anemia in the donor and polycythemia in the recipient, in the absence of twin oligo-polyhydramnios sequence (TOPS). TAPS may occur spontaneously in 3-5% of monochorionic twins or after laser surgery for TTTS. The prevalence of post-laser TAPS varies from 2% to 16% of TTTS cases, depending on the rate of residual anastomoses. Pre-natal diagnosis of TAPS is currently based on discordant measurements of the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV; >1.5 multiples of the median [MoM] in donors and 8 g/dL), and at least one of the following: reticulocyte count ratio >1.7 or minuscule placental anastomoses. Management includes expectant management, and intra-uterine blood transfusion (IUT) with or without partial exchange transfusion (PET) or fetoscopic laser surgery. Post-laser TAPS can be prevented by using the Solomon laser surgery technique. Short-term neonatal outcome ranges from isolated inter-twin Hb differences to severe neonatal morbidity and neonatal death. Long-term neonatal outcome in post-laser TAPS is comparable with long-term outcome after treated TTTS. This review summarizes the current knowledge after 10 years of research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and outcome in TAPS.
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Sananès N, Veujoz M, Severac F, Barthoulot M, Meyer N, Weingertner AS, Kohler M, Guerra F, Gaudineau A, Nisand I, Favre R. Evaluation of the Utility of in utero Treatment of Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence. Fetal Diagn Ther 2015; 38:170-8. [PMID: 25790745 DOI: 10.1159/000380822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the interest in the in utero treatment of twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). METHODS The obstetrical and neonatal data on all cases of TAPS followed up in our institution between 2006 and 2013 were reviewed. Statistical analyses were conducted using Bayesian methods. RESULTS Twenty cases of TAPS were included. Laser therapy or intrauterine transfusion (IUT) was performed on the donor twin in 9 cases. Eleven cases were included in the 'nontreated' group (managed expectantly or diagnosed at birth). The gestational age at diagnosis was lower in the group with treated TAPS [difference (diff) = -22.20 days (-57.13, 14.28), probability (Pr) (diff >0) = 10.6%]. The rate of preterm premature rupture of membranes was higher in the group with treated TAPS [diff = 22.5% (-14, 57), Pr (diff >0) = 89%], but overall mortality was similar. The interval between diagnosis and delivery was longer [diff = 44.37 days (9.41, 77.90), Pr (diff >0) = 99.2%], the TAPS resolution rate was higher [diff = 49.9% (12, 81), Pr (diff >0) = 99.4%], and the neonatal transfusion rate was lower [diff = -30.5% (-60, 0), Pr (diff >0) = 2.6%] in the treated group. CONCLUSION In utero treatment for TAPS is associated with a higher resolution rate of TAPS and a longer time between diagnosis and birth, but overall mortality is the same as with expectant management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Sananès
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Strasbourg University Teaching Hospitals, Strasbourg, France
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Veujoz M, Sananès N, Severac F, Meyer N, Weingertner AS, Kohler M, Guerra F, Gaudineau A, Nisand I, Favre R. Evaluation of prenatal and postnatal diagnostic criteria for twin anemia-polycythemia sequence. Prenat Diagn 2015; 35:281-8. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.4545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marine Veujoz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
- Federation of Translational Medicine; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
| | - Nicolas Sananès
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
- Federation of Translational Medicine; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
- INSERM, UMR-S 1121, ‘Biomatériaux et Bioingénierie’; Strasbourg France
| | - François Severac
- Federation of Translational Medicine; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
- Department of Public Health; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
| | - Nicolas Meyer
- Federation of Translational Medicine; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
- Department of Public Health; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
| | - Anne-Sophie Weingertner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
- Federation of Translational Medicine; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
| | - Monique Kohler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
- Federation of Translational Medicine; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
| | - Fernando Guerra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
- Federation of Translational Medicine; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
| | - Adrien Gaudineau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
- Federation of Translational Medicine; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
| | - Israël Nisand
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
- Federation of Translational Medicine; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
| | - Romain Favre
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
- Federation of Translational Medicine; Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital; Strasbourg France
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Abdel-Sattar M, Platt LD, DeVore G, Porto M, Benirschke K, Chmait RH. Treatment of Complicated Spontaneous Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence via Fetoscopic Laser Ablation of the Vascular Communications. Fetal Diagn Ther 2014; 38:233-7. [DOI: 10.1159/000362271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Monochorionic diamniotic twins share a single placenta and have intertwin vascular communications that link the circulatory systems of the twins together. Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is an atypical form of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) caused by net transfer of blood from one fetus to the other and is characterized by large intertwin hemoglobin differences in the absence of oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios. This condition may develop spontaneously (sTAPS) or as a result of residual vascular communications after prior laser surgery. Because of the relatively low prevalence and lack of clinical awareness, the natural history of sTAPS is unclear and the antenatal treatment remains controversial. Case series of sTAPS have described expectant management with timed delivery, intrauterine blood transfusion, and fetoscopic laser treatment. Favorable outcomes have been described in cases of uncomplicated sTAPS that underwent conservative measures. However, we believe that there may be a subgroup of high-risk or complicated sTAPS patients that may benefit from definitive treatment afforded by fetoscopic laser therapy. We describe 3 complicated cases of sTAPS successfully treated with selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels. In 2 of the cases, placental pathology identified thrombosed fetal vessels of the polycythemic twin.
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