natural history of twin twin transfusion

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the natural history of selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) in monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies according to Gratacós classification including progression/improvement/stability of umbilical artery (UA) Dopplers and progression to twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) or twin anemia polycythemia syndrome (TAPS). We also aimed to investigate risk factors for smaller twin demise. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was performed to identify relevant studies published until June 2022 in English using the databases using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science STUDY ELIGIBILITY: We used retrospective and prospective studies in English reporting on sFGR without concomitant TTTS...

BACKGROUND: Selective fetoscopic laser coagulation of the intertwin anastomotic chorionic vessels is the first-line treatment for twin-twin transfusion syndrome. However, in stage 1 twin-twin transfusion syndrome, the risks of intrauterine surgery may be higher than those of the natural progression of the condition. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare immediate surgery and expectant follow-up in stage 1 twin-twin transfusion syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a multicentric randomized trial, which recruited from 2011 to 2018 with a 6-month postnatal follow-up...

The term chimera has been borrowed from Greek mythology and has a long history of use in biology and genetics. A chimera is an organism whose cells are derived from two or more zygotes. Recipients of tissue and organ transplants are artificial chimeras. This review concerns natural human chimeras. The first human chimera was reported in 1953. Natural chimeras can arise in various ways. Fetal and maternal cells can cross the placental barrier so that both mother and child may become microchimeras. Two zygotes can fuse together during an early embryonic stage to form a fusion chimera...

OBJECTIVES: To assess the expression of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells and their cytokines in twin pregnancies with preeclampsia. METHODS: This was a prospective case-control study. The inclusion criteria were diamniotic (monochorionic or dichorionic) twin pregnancies in the third trimester with negative serological results for infectious diseases; absence of major fetal abnormalities or twin-twin transfusion syndrome; and no history of administration of corticosteroids in this pregnancy...

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the natural history and outcome of selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancy, according to gestational age at onset and various reported diagnostic criteria, and to quantify the risk of superimposed twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS: This was a cohort study of MCDA twin pregnancies that had their routine antenatal care from the first trimester at St George's Hospital, London, UK...

OBJECTIVE:  This article describes the natural history of stage I twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) including risk of progression to higher stage TTTS and pregnancy outcomes, and to identify risk factors for progression. STUDY DESIGN:  Retrospective cohort study of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies from 2006 to 2016 with expectantly managed Quintero stage I TTTS. RESULTS:  A total of 30 MCDA twin pregnancies with expectantly managed stage I TTTS were identified...

Monochorionic twin pregnancies are at increased risk for adverse outcome compared to dichorionic twin pregnancies and singletons. Monochorionic-specific complications include twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), twin anemia-polycythemia sequence, single intrauterine fetal demise and its consequences on the co-twin, and selective intrauterine growth restriction. Whereas the natural history of monochorionic-specific complications carries a high risk of fetal death or severe neurologic disability, a framework now exists, based on well-designed clinical trials, for optimal treatment of these entities...

OBJECTIVE: To describe the natural history and perinatal outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic twins with midtrimester isolated oligohydramnios (iOligo). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of iOligo patients who were initially referred for the management of evolving twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) or selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR). iOligo was defined as a maximum vertical pocket of amniotic fluid of ≤2 cm in the iOligo twin's sac and normal fluid level (>2 and <8 cm) in the co-twin's sac...

OBJECTIVES: The natural history of stage 1 Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) remains unclear and its optimal management is yet to be established. The main aims of this meta-analysis were to quantify the incidence of progression in stage 1 TTTS and to ascertain survival in these pregnancies. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library were searched. Reference lists within each article were hand-searched for additional reports. The outcomes included incidence of progression and survival in stage 1 TTTS...

BACKGROUND: Stage I twin-twin transfusion syndrome presents a management dilemma. Intervention may lead to procedure-related complications while expectant management risks deterioration. Insufficient data exist to inform decision-making. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective observational study was to describe the natural history of stage I twin-twin transfusion syndrome, to assess for predictors of disease behavior, and to compare pregnancy outcomes after intervention at stage I vs expectant management...

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the actual association between velamentous cord insertion (VCI) and twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in the native cohort concerning the natural history of monochorionic twin pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies who received prenatal care from <16 weeks of gestation until delivery at our center between 2004 and 2013 were included in this retrospective cohort study...

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...

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...

The implementation of systematic pregnancy screening programmes, and the increased use and improving quality of medical imaging techniques, have lead to earlier detection and better understanding of the natural history of fetal anomalies. Where most fetal conditions are adequately treatable after birth, some disorders progress during fetal life and can lead to severe morbidity or fetal and neonatal demise. This inherently raises the question of prenatal therapy. Some fetal conditions are amenable for fetal surgical intervention, part of them by minimal access...

About 30% of monochorionic twin pregnancies are complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), isolated discordant growth, twin anemia-polycythemia sequence, congenital defects or intrauterine demise. About 15% will be eligible for invasive fetal therapy, either fetoscopic laser treatment for TTTS or fetoscopic or ultrasound-guided umbilical cord coagulation for a severe congenital defect in one twin or severe discordant growth with imminent demise of the growth-restricted twin. Ultrasound examination in the first and early second trimester can differentiate the monochorionic twins at high risk for adverse outcome from those likely to be uneventful, which may be useful for patient counselling and planning of care...

About 1% of all pregnancies present structural anomalies. During the last three decades, various experimental studies in large animals, associated with the technological advance of diagnostic imaging and fetoscopy equipment, have led to great progress in the knowledge of the pathophysiology of various congenital defects. Such knowledge applied to intrauterine correction of abnormalities has transformed the natural history of several previously fatal diseases, leading to a considerable number of survivors. Fetal intervention, such as open fetal surgery, may be indicated in meningomyelocele or in congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, and in sacrococcygeal teratoma, which lead to secondary fetal hydropsy...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although the efficacy of intrauterine intervention has been clearly demonstrated for some conditions, such as twin to twin transfusion syndrome and twin reversal arterial perfusion, it is still to be determined as treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cardiac defects, lower urinary tract obstruction and sacrococcygeal teratoma. The aim of the present study was to review literature concerning the benefits and outcomes of fetal intervention for these anomalies together with its limitations and controversies...

PURPOSE: to evaluate the evolution of monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancies with and without the twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), followed up in an expectant way. METHODS: retrospective study in which the pregnancies with and without TTTS and with mild (Quintero's stage I) and severe (Quintero's stages II, III, IV and V) disease manifestations were compared according to extreme preterm delivery, neurological impairment and the twins' nursery discharge...

BACKGROUND: Prenatal ultrasound study allows the detection of fetal malformations. Intrauterine interventions are now contemplated to correct, or interfere with, the natural history of these anomalies. Minimally invasive techniques, such as the so-called "Fetendo" (fetal endoscopy), are now therapeutic possibilities. METHODS: From 2002 to 2007, 205 fetoscopies were performed in our hospital's fetal surgery program. Fetoscopic interventions were carried out under epidural anesthesia, accessing the uterine cavity with a fetoscope containing a 1...

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a condition unique to monochorionic pregnancies, although very few case reports described the syndrome in dichorionic placentas. The aetiology of TTTS relies in the presence of at least 1 arterio-venous placental anastomosis, through which unequal blood exchange from one twin (donor) to the co-twin (recipient) occurs. The diagnosis of TTTS relies on the sonographic detection of oligohydramnios in the donor's sac and polyhydramnios in the recipient's sac in the second trimester, although signs of TTTS are present since the first trimester...