Prognosis and long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in conservatively treated twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Fetoscopic laser versus amnioreduction, septostomy, and expected management for the treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS): an economic evaluation analysis in Iran

BACKGROUND

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) affects 10-15% of monochorionic twin pregnancies. Without treatment, their mortality rates would be considerable. There are differences in survival rate between different therapeutic modalities. This study aims to compare the cost-effectiveness of Fetoscopic laser versus amnioreduction, septostomy, and expected management in the treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

METHODS

This is a cost-effectiveness analysis of the treatment strategies in patients with TTTS. A decision tree model was used to estimate the clinical and economic outcomes with a pregnancy period time horizon. Medical direct costs were extracted in a quantitative study, and survival rates were determined as effectiveness measures based on a review. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was used to measure the effects of uncertainty in the model parameters. The TreeAge, Excel and R software were used for analyzing data.

RESULTS

In the first phase, 75 studies were included in the review. Based on the meta-analysis, a total of 7183 women treated with Fetoscopic laser, the perinatal survival of at least one twin-based pregnancy was 69%. In the second phase, the results showed that expected management and amnioreduction have the lowest (791.6$) and highest cost (2020.8$), respectively. Based on the decision model analysis, expected management had the lowest cost ($791.67) and the highest rate in at least one survival (89%), it was used only in early stages of TTTS. Fetoscopic laser surgery, with the mean cost 871.46$ and an overall survival rate of 0.69 considered the most cost-effectiveness strategy in other stages of TTTS.

CONCLUSION

Our model found Fetoscopic laser surgery in all stages of TTTS to be the most cost-effective therapy for patients with TTTS. Fetoscopic laser surgery thus should be considered a reasonable treatment option for TTTS.

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.

Controlled amnioreduction for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Background:

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a severe condition causing preterm delivery, fetal death, and neurodevelopmental disorders. This study presents a data-based controlled amnioreduction (AR) protocol composed of sequential amniodrainage in treatment of TTTS.

Methods:

A total of 18 procedures were performed in 11 TTTS pregnancies at 17 to 34 weeks of gestation. The amniotic pressure was measured along with sequential removal of the amniotic fluid, 500 mL each step. The umbilical artery systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio for each twin was measured pre- and post-AR. Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of all TTTS survivors were evaluated from parental answers to a phone survey.

Results:

The amniotic pressure decreased exponentially with the increased volume of removed amniotic fluid until a plateau was obtained. Changes of the S/D ratio between pre- and post-AR procedure did not reveal a clear tendency. The survival rate was 86.4% although 91% of all twins were at Quintero stage III. Long-term neurodevelopment outcomes in the 19 surviving twins were 68.4% optimal, 26.3% suboptimal, and 5.3% abnormal.

Conclusion:

The controlled AR procedure resulted in a relatively high rate of twin survival with favorable long-term neurodevelopment outcomes.

Intertwin differences in umbilical artery pulsatility index are associated with infant survival in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association of intertwin differences in umbilical artery pulsatility index (DUAPI) and infant survival in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

METHODS

Absolute DUAPI was calculated prior to laser surgery. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis provided an intertwin DUAPI cutoff of 0.4 for the prediction of double twin survival to 30 days of life. Infant survival was compared between women with an intertwin DUAPI <0.4 and ≥0.4 in the whole cohort, in TTTS cases with Quintero stages I/II and in those with Quintero stages III/IV. Regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of intertwin DUAPI <0.4 and infant survival adjusted for confounders.

RESULTS

In total, 349 TTTS cases were included. Double twin survival to 30 days was observed in 67% (234/349) of cases. Significant differences in double twin survival was seen between intertwin DUAPI groups in the whole cohort (76.8 vs. 52.2%; p<0.001), in women with TTTS Quintero stage I or II (77.8 vs. 58.5%; p=0.015) as well as in women with TTTS Quintero stage III or IV (75 vs. 49.5%; p=0.001). Intertwin DUAPI <0.4 conferred a threefold increased chance for double twin survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Small intertwin DUAPI is associated with increased double infant survival in early and advanced TTTS stages.

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.

Renal functional markers in extremely premature infants with and without twin-twin transfusion syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Describe renal function of preterm infants <29 weeks of gestational age (GA) with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) who received laser therapy.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of premature TTTS compared with dichorionic-diamniotic (di-di) twins from 2006 to 2015. Primary outcome was biomarkers of renal injury.

RESULTS

Thirty-three TTTS-laser and 101 di-di newborns with similar GA at birth (26.4 ± 1.4 vs 26.9 ± 1.6 weeks, p = 0.07) were included. Creatinine and urea levels were higher in TTTS-laser group at day of life (DOL) 2-7 (123.5 ± 12.4 vs 75.8 ± 2 μmol/L, p = 0.0001 and 11.9 ± 1.1 mmol/L vs 8.7 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p = 0.0001) and DOL 8-14, (98.1 ± 14.2 vs 64.8 ± 2.3 μmol/L, p = 0.0001 and 9.1 ± 1.2 vs 5.4 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p = 0.0001). There was a significant effect of TTTS status on creatinine level at DOL 8-14.

CONCLUSION

In extremely preterm with TTTS treated by laser, biomarkers of renal function were higher compared with di-di twins in the first 2 weeks of life.

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.

Outcomes of extremely premature infants with twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated by laser therapy

OBJECTIVE

To compare short-term and long-term outcomes of preterm infants born at <29 weeks of gestational age (GA) with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated with laser therapy to preterm twin infants without TTTS.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study comparing 33 preterm TTTS twins to 101 preterm diamniotic-dichorionic (di-di) twins born at our institution between 2006 and 2015.

RESULTS

GA at birth were 26.4 ± 1.4 weeks (TTTS) and 26.9 ± 1.6 weeks (di-di) (p = 0.07). TTTS premature newborns were less exposed to antenatal steroids (p = 0.01), more frequently born by C-section (p = 0.005), received more surfactant therapy (p = 0.004, and were smaller for GA (p < 0.001). When adjusted for antenatal steroids and birth weight, TTTS status was not associated with increased mortality (HR 1.66, 95% CI 0.77-3.56, p = 0.20). No differences were found on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months of corrected GA.

CONCLUSION

Premature TTTS newborns treated with fetal laser therapy had similar survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes compared to preterm di-di twins without TTTS.

Severe gyration and migration disorder in fetofetal transfusion syndrome: two case reports and a review of the literature on the neurological outcome of children with lesions on neuroimaging

INTRODUCTION

Fetofetal transfusion syndrome is a dreaded cause of morbidity and mortality in monochorionic pregnancies.

CASE REPORTS

We present two pairs of twins one of which we have followed for more than 6 years. The donors suffer from cerebral palsy, orofacial, and motor problems, and both are significantly smaller than their recipient twins. Interestingly, cranial MRI revealed medial frontal lobe polymicrogyria, ventriculomegaly, and decreased thickness in both parietal lobes in both donors. We suggest this as a possible feature of fetofetal transfusion syndrome.

REVIEW

A minireview of the literature on neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental outcome in fetofetal transfusion syndrome is presented.

CONCLUSION

While the close resemblance of the imaging features of both cases is likely incidental further study of a connection between migration and gyration disorders and fetofetal transfusion syndrome is warranted.

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.

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.

Fetoscopic laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome before 17 and after 26 weeks' gestation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare perinatal outcomes of pregnancies that undergo "early" (<17 weeks' gestation) or "late" (>26 weeks' gestation) fetoscopic laser ablation of placental vascular anastomoses for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with "conventional" cases that were treated at 17-26 weeks' gestation.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a single center, retrospective analysis of 325 consecutive pregnancies that underwent fetoscopic laser therapy for severe TTTS.

RESULTS

Twenty-four "early," 18 "late," and 283 "conventional" pregnancies with severe TTTS underwent laser therapy. Fetoscopy duration, gestation at delivery, survival rate, and complications were comparable among groups, except for preterm premature rupture of membranes at <7 days after laser therapy, which was more common in the "early" group than in either of the other 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Laser therapy for TTTS at <17 or >26 weeks' gestation has similar outcomes to procedures done at 17-26 weeks' gestation. We suggest that conventional gestational age guidelines of 16-26 weeks for laser therapy for TTTS should be reevaluated.

Fetal and postnatal brain MRI in premature infants with twin-twin transfusion syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To describe the findings on fetal and postnatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in premature infants with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and to determine whether currently used staging systems and other fetal and postnatal factors correlate with brain injury in this population.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a prospective study of 22 premature infants with TTTS whose mothers had fetal MRIs. Postnatal brain MRI was performed at term equivalent age (38 to 44 weeks) and medical records were reviewed. Brain injury was scored on fetal and postnatal MRIs using an injury scale incorporating hemorrhagic and nonhemorrhagic injury.

RESULT

The median (range) gestational age (GA) was 31 weeks (26 to 35) and birth weight (BW) was 1296 g (762 to 2330). In all, 5/22 patients (23%) had brain injury seen on fetal MRI and 15/22 patients (68%) had brain injury seen on postnatal MRI. Quintero stage was the only predictor variable that was significantly correlated with the total brain injury score (P=0.05).

CONCLUSION

Postnatal brain injury in premature infants with TTTS is correlated with Quintero stage. GA and BW are not predictive of brain injury in this cohort of infants.

Overview and Long-term Outcomes of Patients Born With Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) results from a disproportionate blood supply between two (or more) fetuses that share a single placenta. Multiple complications can occur as a result of the syndrome, including intrauterine growth restriction in the donor twin, cardiomyopathies in recipients, and neurodevelopmental morbidities in survivors. Studies indicate that patients with TTTS have higher incidences of congenital heart disease compared with the unaffected population, and even when compared with uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic twins. If managed properly, TTTS can result in a positive outcome for most patients.

Long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in monochorionic twins after fetal therapy

Monochorionic (MC) twins are at risk for several disorders, including twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), Twin Reverse Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) and selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR). Several fetal interventions, such as serial amnioreduction (AR), fetoscopic laser coagulation of placental anastomoses (FLC) and selective feticide have lead to improved perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. Nevertheless, the rate of cerebral lesions in MC twins after fetal therapy appears to be high. Follow-up studies show a high incidence of cerebral palsy (CP) and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). We performed a systematic review on the long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in MC twins with TTTS following AR and FLC and MC twins following selective feticide of the co-twin due to TTTS, TRAP, sIUGR and congenital anomalies.