Can color difference on the maternal side of the placenta distinguish between acute peripartum twin-twin transfusion syndrome and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the color difference between two placental shares in monochorionic placentas with acute peripartum twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS).

METHODS: We evaluated all digital pictures of TAPS, acute peripartum TTTS and a control group of uncomplicated monochorionic placentas examined at our center. We determined the color intensity of the individual placental share on the maternal side of each monochorionic placenta using an image-processing program and calculated the color difference ratio (CDR).

RESULTS: Digital pictures of 5 acute peripartum TTTS, 25 TAPS and 54 control group placentas were included in this study. The median CDR in acute peripartum TTTS was significantly lower compared to TAPS placentas, 1.20 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 1.05-1.20) and 2.50 (IQR 1.85-3.34), respectively (p < 0.01), and was comparable to the control group (CDR 1.11, IQR 1.05-1.22).

CONCLUSION: TAPS placentas have a higher CDR compared to acute peripartum TTTS placentas. Examining color difference on the maternal side of the placenta might help distinguish between acute peripartum TTTS and TAPS.