Risk Factors Associated with Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes after Cord Occlusion in Monochorionic Diamniotic Twins.

INTRODUCTION: Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a common complication after fetal surgeries. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for and outcomes after PPROM following cord occlusion (CO) in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 188 consecutive MCDA pregnancies treated by bipolar or laser CO, either primarily because of discordant malformation (dMF) or severe selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR), or secondarily when complete bichorionization was not possible in case of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) or sFGR. Intentional septostomy was performed when needed. The procedure-related PPROM was defined as rupture of membranes <32 weeks' gestation (PROM <32 weeks). Selected pre-, intra-, and early postoperative variables were analyzed by univariate and binomial logistic regression to determine they are correlated to PROM <32 weeks after CO. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2017, 188 cases underwent CO. Diagnosis was TTTS in 28.2% (n = 53), severe sFGR in 49.5% (n = 93), and dMF in 22.3% (n = 42). PROM <32 weeks occurred in 21.3% (n = 40), resulting in worse perinatal outcomes, as preterm birth <32 weeks occurred in 80.7% (vs. 8.3%, p = 0.000), procedure-to-delivery interval was 47.5 days (vs. 125, p = 0.000), gestational age (GA) at birth 30.0 weeks (vs. 37.7 weeks, p = 0.000), and survival 65.0% (vs. 91.1%, p = 0.000). In univariate analysis, indication, anterior placenta, cervical length, GA at surgery, operation time, amniodistention and drainage fluid volumes, chorioamniotic membrane separation, and septostomy were selected as relevant factors to be included in the regression model. In a multivariate analysis, TTTS was the only factor associated to PROM <32 weeks (OR 3.5 CI 95% 1.5-7.9). CONCLUSIONS: PROM <32 weeks after CO increases the risk of preterm delivery. In this cohort, the membrane rupture was more likely when CO was done in the context of TTTS.

Mineral metabolism disorders, vertebral fractures and aortic calcifications in stable kidney transplant recipients: The role of gender (EMITRAL study).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The relationship between mineral metabolism disorders, bone fractures and vascular calcifications in kidney transplant recipients has not been established. METHOD: We performed a cross-sectional study in 727 stable recipients from 28 Spanish transplant clinics. Mineral metabolism parameters, the semi-quantification of vertebral fractures and abdominal aortic calcifications were determined centrally. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency (25OHD3<15ng/ml) was more common in female recipients at CKD-T stages I-III (29.6% vs 44.4%; p=0.003). The inverse and significant correlation between 25OHD3 and PTH was gender-specific and women exhibited a steeper slope than men (p=0.01). Vertebral fractures (VFx) with deformity grade ≥2 were observed in 15% of recipients. Factors related to VFx differed by gender; in males, age (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.06) and CsA treatment (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.6-6.3); in females, age (OR 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03-1.12) and PTH levels (OR per 100pg/ml increase: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.043-1.542). Abdominal aortic calcifications were common (67.2%) and related to classical risk factors but not to mineral metabolism parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is more common among female kidney transplant recipients at earlier CKD-T stages, and it contributes to secondary hyperparathyroidism. Prevalent vertebral fractures are only related to high serum PTH levels in female recipients.

Clinical approach to kidney disease in kidney recipients in Spain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the present study, clinical criteria used by Spanish nephrologists when approaching chronic kidney disease (CKD) in kidney recipients, as well as their level of maintenance and control of renal function, were evaluated. METHODS: An epidemiological, observational, multicenter, nation-wide, prospective study was carried out, with a 6-month follow-up period. Three hundred and sixty-eight adult patients with stage3 kidney disease after a 24-month or longer post-transplantation follow-up period were included. Visits schedule included a retrospective visit, a baseline visit, an optional mid-term visit, and a final visit at month6. RESULTS: Mean time since kidney transplantation was 8.2±5.4years. Most common pre-transplant cardiovascular risk factors were high blood pressure (80.2%), followed by high cholesterol levels (61.7%). Serum creatinine levels showed a statistically significant decrease from baseline visit to 6-month visit (0.06±0.22; P<.0001), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) reduction was -1.03±6.14 (P=0.0014). Significant independent prognostic factors for GFR worsening were: higher 24-hour proteinuria (OR=1.001 per mg; P=.020), longer time since transplantation (OR=1.009 per month; P=.017), and lower hemoglobin levels (OR=1.261 per g/dl; P=.038). Donor age also had some negative influence (OR=1.021 per year; P=.106). Biopsies were obtained in only 8% of kidney transplant recipients with stage 3 CKD with an intervention being carried out in 25.4% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary markers and factors resulting in CKD progression, particularly anemia, are still frequently uncontrolled after kidney transplantation. Only about 2% of patients benefit from a therapeutic intervention based on a biopsy. Clinical perception differs from objective measures, which results in an obvious clinical inertia regarding risk factor control in such patients.

Preoperative prediction of the individualized risk of early fetal death after laser therapy in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the independent and combined value of gestational age, fetal weight, fetoplacental Doppler, and myocardial performance index for the prediction of individual risk of early (≤7 days) intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) after laser therapy in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A consecutive series of 215 cases of TTTS treated with laser therapy in three centers was prospectively studied. Ultrasound evaluation within 24 h of surgery included estimated fetal weight discordance, umbilical artery, pulsatility index (PI) and diastolic flow evaluation, middle cerebral artery PI and middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity, ductus venosus PI and atrial flow assessment, and modified myocardial performance index. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association of preoperative parameters with IUFD. RESULTS: Intrauterine fetal death occurred in 17 (7.9%) of the recipients and 33 (15.3%) donors (p = 0.016). The only independent predictors of IUFD in recipients was the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity >1.5 MoM (OR = 22, p = 0.015), but this event was present in only 3% of recipients. In donors, reverse end diastolic flow in the umbilical artery (OR = 14.748, p = 0.033), estimated fetal weight discordance (OR = 1.054, p = 0.036), and gestational age (OR = 0.757, p = 0.046) were independent predictors. CONCLUSION: In TTTS, preoperative fetal assessment can identify independent risk factors for early post-operative IUFD, particularly in donors.

Risk factors for non-melanoma skin cancer in kidney transplant patients in a Spanish population in the Mediterranean region.

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most frequent malignancy in organ transplant recipients. The aetiology of NMSC after transplant is multifactorial. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and environmental factors involved in the development of NMSC in a Spanish kidney transplant population from the Mediterranean region. A total of 289 patients who had received a kidney transplant during the period January 1996 to December 2010 were included in the study. Both prospective and retrospective data were used. All patients underwent a structured interview and a complete examination of the skin. After a median follow-up of 72 months (range 12-180 months), 73 of the 289 patients (25.2%) developed 162 tumours. The ratio of basal cell carcinoma to squamous cell carcinoma was 2.21:1. The cumulative incidence of NMSC increased with the duration of immunosuppression, from 20.78% at 5 years, to 37.35% at 10 years to 53.08% at 15 years after transplantation. Age at the time of transplant, phototype and occupational sun exposure were associated with a higher risk of NMSC. NMSC is a significant clinical problem in kidney transplant recipients. This has implications for the development of prevention and surveillance strategies. Clinical and environmental factors may be used to identify those patients who are at risk for NMSC.

Fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome after 26 weeks of gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) cases treated with fetoscopic laser coagulation of vascular anastomoses before 25 + 6 weeks of gestation and between 26 and 28 weeks of gestation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 28 consecutive cases of TTTS at Quintero stages II-IV treated with laser therapy between 26 + 0 and 28 + 6 weeks of gestation were compared with 324 cases treated between 15 + 0 and 25 + 6 weeks during a 3-year period in two centers. The following data were recorded and compared: duration of the fetoscopy, rate of complications (preterm labor before 28 weeks and before 32 weeks, chorioamnionitis, twin anemia-polycythemia syndrome and recurrent TTTS), gestational age at delivery and neonatal survival rate. RESULTS: The study groups were similar as regards Quintero staging and the frequency of anterior placental location (50.0 vs. 47.8%, p = 0.85 in late and conventional laser, respectively). There were no significant differences in the duration of surgery (29 vs. 30, p = 0.27, respectively) and in the rates of any of the complications evaluated. Gestational age at delivery (33 vs. 33.3 weeks, p = 0.69) and neonatal survival of at least one fetus (92.3 vs. 88.6%, p = 0.24) were also similar. CONCLUSION: Fetoscopic laser coagulation for TTTS performed between 26 + 0 and 28 + 6 weeks of gestation was associated with similar outcomes as those observed in cases treated before 26 weeks.

Clinical and biochemical predictors of very preterm birth in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome treated by fetoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pre- and postoperative predictors of preterm birth in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome treated with fetoscopic placental laser coagulation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study (n = 166) assessing cervical length (pre and postoperatively), amniotic fluid interleukin-6, serum C-reactive protein and duration of surgery. Logistic regression was used to investigate associations with preterm delivery. RESULTS: Preterm delivery within 7 days, before 28.0 and 32.0 weeks occurred in 4.8%, 16.8%, and 28.9%, respectively. The only significant predictor of delivery within 7 days was postoperative cervical length (odds ratio [OR], 0.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3-0.9). Concerning delivery before 32.0 weeks, preoperative cervical length (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.8-1.0), and gestational age (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9) were independent risk factors but the association was weak. The presence of a single survivor after surgery was associated with a clear reduction of risk (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.6). Inflammatory biomarkers and duration of surgery did not discriminate risk of prematurity. CONCLUSION: No strong preoperative predictive factor of preterm birth could be identified. A single survivor was a strong protective factor of very preterm birth.