Endometrial congestion is the only hysteroscopic finding indicative of chronic endometritis.

Chronic endometritis (CE), an inflammatory condition characterized by plasma cell infiltration within the endometrial stroma, is prevalent among women experiencing unexplained infertility or recurrent miscarriages. CE is traditionally diagnosed by endometrial biopsy using CD138 immunohistochemistry staining. Despite some studies suggesting hysteroscopy as an alternative diagnostic tool, its reliability compared with biopsy remains controversial. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of hysteroscopy for CE by examining endometrial features, such as congestion, micropolyps, edema, and polyps, and comparing these with biopsy-confirmed cases of CE. This retrospective observational study was conducted at Toho University Omori Medical Center between June 2017 and November 2019 and included patients undergoing both hysteroscopy and histopathological examination. Endometrial congestion was identified as the only hysteroscopic finding significantly associated with CE, showing a moderate diagnostic agreement with biopsy results. These findings highlight the importance of further investigating hysteroscopic features of CE and their diagnostic implications and identify endometrial congestion as a potential predictive marker for CE.

Intertwin discordance of aldosterone levels in amniotic fluid with placental anastomoses in monochorionic twins: Insight into the pathophysiology of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to investigate the association between the presence of placental anastomoses and intertwin differences in renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activation in monochorionic twins using amniotic fluid aldosterone (AF-ALD) levels. In addition, this study also examined the association between AF-ALD and the ALD levels in the umbilical cord blood (UCB-ALD) in monochorionic twins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included monochorionic diamniotic (MD) twin pregnancies that were not complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) at delivery. Amniotic fluid and umbilical cord vein blood samples were collected from each twin at delivery, and the ALD levels were measured subsequently. The MD twins were divided into two groups: those with placental anastomoses and those without anastomoses owing to fetoscopic laser surgery. The differences in the AF-ALD levels between the larger and smaller twins were analyzed. RESULTS: The AF-ALD levels showed a strong and significant positive correlation with UCB-ALD levels in 131 MD twins (r = 0.804, p < 0.001). Intertwin differences were examined in 41 and 28 pairs of MD twins with and without placental anastomoses, respectively. The AF-ALD levels in the smaller twins were significantly higher than those in the larger twins among the pairs of MD twins with placental anastomoses (p = 0.003); however, no statistically significant intertwin differences were observed among the twins without placental anastomoses (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The AF-ALD levels reflect the UCB-ALD levels in MD twins. The presence of placental anastomoses led to intertwin discordance in the ALD levels in MD twins even uncomplicated with TTTS. It was considered that monochorionic twins have this clinical background, and it leads to the development of TTTS.

Optimal timing to retrieve oocytes for fertility preservation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: two cases of controlled ovarian stimulation using DuoStim with a literature review.

Fertility preservation (FP) for hematological malignancies is difficult because immediate chemotherapy is needed after diagnosis. We report two cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and oocyte cryopreservation using DuoStim after first-line chemotherapy. In Cases 1 and 2, COS and oocyte retrieval (OR) were performed using DuoStim 116 and 51 days after first-line chemotherapy, respectively, and 14 and 6 unfertilized oocytes, respectively, were cryopreserved. Another round of COS and OR was performed using the random-start method 82 days after first-line chemotherapy, and 22 unfertilized oocytes were cryopreserved. DuoStim is useful to maximize OR for patients with a short interval for FP. Many oocytes can be retrieved depending on the timing of recruitment from primary to secondary follicles, although ovarian reserve capacity declines immediately after first-line chemotherapy. Aggressive FP should be performed before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation becomes necessary.

Different expressions of cardiac biomarkers between different types of acquired right ventricular outflow tract abnormality in monochorionic twins.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences in amniotic fluid cardiac biomarkers and clinical features among types of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) abnormality in monochorionic (MC) twins. METHOD: This prospective study included MC twins that underwent laser surgery. Recipient or larger twins (group A) and donor or smaller twins (group B) were assessed and divided into those with a normal right ventricular outflow tract (normal RVOT), functional pulmonary atresia (fPA), or pulmonary stenosis (PS). Amniotic fluid levels of NT-proBNP (afNT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin T (afTnT) were examined during surgery. RESULTS: Of 190 fetuses in group A, there were 14 RVOT abnormality cases (including 7 fPA and 7 PS). No group B fetuses showed RVOT abnormality findings. In group A, later and earlier gestational age at surgery were observed in fPA (25.1 ± 2.8 weeks) and PS groups (17.8 ± 0.9 weeks). All survived PS cases demonstrated progressive pulmonary valve obstruction, not observed in fPA groups. AfNT-proBNP were significantly higher in fPA and PS than in the normal RVOT group (p < 0.05). AfTnT was significantly higher in group A with PS than fPA and normal RVOT groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Among RVOT abnormality types in group A, amniotic fluid cardiac biomarkers were differently expressed, and clinical features were also differentiated. These findings provide insight into the pathophysiological influence on RVOT in MC twins. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with the Japanese Clinical Trial Registry "UMIN-CTR" (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm; trial ID numbers UMIN000024486 and 000037702).

Association of amniotic fluid natriuretic peptide levels with ductus venosus Doppler flow in recipient twins with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome : DV flow and NT-proBNP in TTTS recipient twins.

PURPOSE: This study examined the relationships between fetal quantitative Doppler parameters and amniotic fluid N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (afNT-proBNP) levels as a biomarker of the increased cardiac load in recipient twins with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS: This single-center, prospective study included all monochorionic diamniotic (MD) twin pregnancies that were diagnosed with TTTS and underwent fetoscopic laser surgery. Doppler flow was used to measure the pulsatility index (PI) of the umbilical artery (UA), ductus venosus (DV), and middle cerebral artery (MCA) of each recipient and donor twins. The afNT-proBNP levels of recipient twins were examined at the time of surgery. The Spearman or Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the relationships between afNT-proBNP levels and Doppler parameters. RESULTS: A total of 150 MD twin pregnancies were included. The afNT-proBNP levels of the recipient twins showed a stronger correlation with the DV-PI (r = 0.637; P < 0.001) of recipient twins than with the UA-PI and MCA-PI of recipient twins. The Doppler parameters of donor twins were scarcely correlated with the afNT-proBNP levels of the recipient twins. CONCLUSION: A positive correlation between the DV-PI and afNT-proBNP levels of recipient twins with TTTS was observed. The recipient twin with an increased DV-PI is expected to be under a high cardiac load; therefore, DV-PI is a useful parameter for assessing increased NT-proBNP levels consecutively and noninvasively. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with Japanese Clinical Trial Registry "UMIN-CTR" ( http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm ; trial ID numbers UMIN000024486 and 000037702).

Outcomes of fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome between 26 and 27 weeks of gestation in Japan.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in Japan. METHODS: The retrospective cohort study (2012-2018) was conducted in monochorionic twin pregnancies that underwent FLP for TTTS between 26 and 27 weeks from 2012 to 2018. The perioperative data, maternal complications, gestational age (GA) at delivery, neonatal complications, and survival of infants at 28 days of age were analyzed. At term-equivalent age, severe neurological complications were identified by imaging study. RESULTS: Of 644 patients, 28 (4.3%) underwent FLP between 26 and 27 weeks, and 26 were analyzed. FLP procedures were technically successful in all cases. There were no cases of major maternal complications after surgery. Preterm rupture of membranes occurred in 34.6% of cases, and the mean GA at delivery was 33.2 ± 3.1 weeks. The survival of both twins was found in 23 (88.4%) cases, and the perinatal survival rate of at least one twin at 28 days of age was 100%. Severe neurological complications were found in six (12.2%) cases out of 49. CONCLUSIONS: FLP for TTTS between 26 and 27 weeks provided a good prognosis and caused no major maternal complications. However, severe neurological findings were found in 12% of infants.

Biochemical effects of intraoperative cell salvage and autotransfusion during cesarean section: A prospective pilot study.

AIM: Intraoperative cell salvage and autotransfusion (ICSA) is a useful technique for women undergoing cesarean sections who are predicted to experience significant bleeding. This method can reduce allogeneic transfusions as well as its associated risks and costs. Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is an abnormal maternal response to ICSA similar to the classic systemic inflammatory response syndrome, but its mechanism is not well understood. This study was conducted to investigate the biochemical aspects of AFE. METHODS: A prospective case-controlled pilot study was conducted in a general perinatal hospital in Japan. ICSA was performed using a two-step retransfusion process. Blood samples were collected presurgery, immediately postsurgery, and 24 h after surgery. Changes in sialyl Tn antigen (STN), complement C3 and C4, fibrinogen, and fibrin degradation product and D-dimer, C1 esterase inhibitor, and interleukin-8 (all considered AFE-related markers) activities were compared between patients who underwent cesarean sections with ICSA (ICSA group) versus without ICSA (control group). RESULTS: Fibrinogen levels were significantly lower in the ICSA group than in the control group before surgery but not immediately after or 24 h after surgery. D-dimer was significantly higher immediately after surgery but not 24 h later. STN was significantly lower only before surgery. None of the AFE-related markers showed significant differences between the groups after 24 h. No adverse events were observed in the ICSA group. CONCLUSIONS: There is no clinical evidence that ICSA alters the biochemical statuses of AFE-related markers in a manner that could lead to adverse maternal responses.

Analysis of preventability of malignancy-related maternal death from the nationwide registration system of maternal deaths in Japan.

Objective: We reviewed malignancy related maternal deaths in Japan to ascertain if there were avoidable factors.Methods: Malignancy-related maternal death in Japan reported to the Maternal Death Exploratory Committee, from 2010 to 2016 inclusive.Results: There were 12 cases of maternal death caused by malignancy. There were four gastric cancers (two poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, one signet ring cell carcinoma with adenocarcinoma, one histology not available), 3 leukemia (two acute myeloid leukemia, one aggressive NK cell leukemia), two ureteral cancers (histology not available), one malignant lymphoma (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with translocation), one brain tumor (gliomatosis cerebri), and one cervical cancer (glassy cell carcinoma). Two gastric cancer patients had chronic gastric pain before conception. In two cases the physicians commented that they had avoided computed tomography and the brain biopsy needed for diagnosis because the patient was pregnant. At diagnosis, the clinical stages were II-IV in 9, and the performance status was 3-5 in 8. Indication for delivery was exacerbated maternal condition in 5, for treatment in 3, spontaneous labor in 3, and one patient declined elective delivery. Median [interquartile rage] (range) gestational weeks of delivery was 29 [24-30] (19-40). One cervical cancer patient had a radical hysterectomy and chemotherapy for 10 months. However, three leukemia and one gastric cancer patients had chemotherapy within 10 d because they deteriorated rapidly. Another seven cases did not have any treatment because of poor general condition or because they remained undiagnosed. In all cases, the Committee considered that there was no evidence of substandard care.Conclusion: In these cases, both the clinical stages and biological degree of malignancy were high. In two-thirds of cases, early termination of the pregnancy was indicated because of deteriorating maternal condition. Chemotherapy was not effective because of short available time for therapy and the advanced stage of the cancers when diagnosed. Encouraging women to have a thorough medical assessment before conception, and early diagnosis and treatment before pregnancy, appears to be the only practical way to reduce deaths from malignancy while a woman is pregnant.

Prevalence of right ventricular outflow tract abnormalities among recipients in twin-twin transfusion syndrome after fetoscopic laser surgery in 90 consecutive cases.

PURPOSE: Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) is a severe complication in recipients in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). This study investigated the prevalence of RVOTO in TTTS after laser surgery and examined the risk factors for RVOTO. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 90 patients who had undergone laser surgery and been followed for 6 months after birth. The diagnosis of RVOTO was made based on postnatal echocardiography findings. Ultrasound and clinical records, including maternal and neonatal data, were retrieved from our database. Risk factors for developing RVOTO were compared between recipients with and without RVOTO in a statistical analysis. RESULTS: Six surviving recipients were diagnosed with RVOTO. Three recipients had developed severe pulmonary stenosis (PS) that required percutaneous transluminal pulmonary valvuloplasty or balloon pulmonary angioplasty. A total of 6.7% of recipients (6/90) had RVOTO, consisting of PS and tricuspid regurgitation (TR), and 3.3% of recipients (3/90) required invasive treatment. The characteristic factors did not differ significantly between recipients with and without RVOTO. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that 6.7% of recipients with TTTS had PS, and 3.3% required invasive treatment for PS. However, no significant association was noted between RVOTO development in recipients and maternal clinical data and fetal ultrasound examination findings. It is difficult to predict RVOTO development in recipients using only preoperative ultrasound and clinical information.

Asymmetrical Hemodynamic Influence of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome on Fetal E/e' by the Dual Gate Doppler Method in Recipient Twins.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the hemodynamic influence of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) on diastolic function, using left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) E/e' measured in the same cardiac cycle using the dual-gate Doppler (DD) method. METHODS: This study included 56 monochorionic twin pregnancies that underwent fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) for TTTS in 2015-2018. E/e' by the DD method was measured 24 h before and 4-7 days after FLS. RESULTS: Recipients showed higher LV-E/e' Z score in stage I-, II-, and III-recipients (IIIr) and higher RV-E/e' Z score in stage III-donors and IIIr than donors (p < 0.05). After FLS, LV-E/e' Z score of recipients significantly decreased due to LV-E velocity Z score decrease (p < 0.05). RV-E/e' Z score after FLS significantly decreased due to RV-e' velocity Z score increase in recipients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: E/e' by the DD method helped assess cardiac changes of recipients. LV-E/e' could assess early hemodynamic changes by TTTS, and RV-E/e' can assess later influence on cardiac diastolic function. Furthermore, in recipient twins, the decrease in LV-E/e' after FLS might reflect the improvement of volume overload and the decrease in RV-E/e' might reflect the improvement of diastolic relaxation function in the RV.

Successful use of fetoscopic laser surgery as treatment for a monochorionic-triamniotic triplet pregnancy complicated by twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence and severe selective fetal growth restriction: A case report.

Monochorionic triplet pregnancy is a rare condition, and twin-reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence and severe selective fetal growth restriction (FGR) are associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. We report a case of TRAP sequence and selective FGR typeIIconcurrently complicating a monochorionic triplet pregnancy. Fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) was performed at 16 + 1 weeks of gestation and was technically successful. Inter-fetus placental anastomoses were coagulated. The pregnancy continued until 28 + 4 weeks of gestation, when the patient presented with preterm rupture of membranes and preterm labor. Two live female newborns were delivered by a cesarean section, and their postnatal course of the neonates was uneventful and in accordance with their gestational age at birth. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of FLS resulting in favorable outcomes for a monochorionic triplet pregnancy concurrently complicated with TRAP sequence and selective FGR type II.

Survival Rate without Brain Abnormalities on Postnatal Ultrasonography among Monochorionic Twins after Fetoscopic Laser Photocoagulation for Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction with Concomitant Oligohydramnios.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to clarify the survival rate without brain abnormalities (BA) after fetoscopic laser photoco-agulation (FLP) for monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations (MCDA) with selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) accompanied by abnormal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler waveforms and isolated oligohydramnios in the sIUGR twin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 52 cases that underwent FLP. The main outcome was survival rate without BA of the twins at age 28 days. BA was defined as severe intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia on postnatal ultrasonography. RESULTS: Median gestational age at FLP was 20 (16-24) weeks. Ten cases were classified as type III based on Doppler for the UA. For all cases, including 20 cases of anterior placenta, FLP was completed without major intraoperative complications. Amnioinfusion was required in 49 cases for better fetoscopic visualization. Fetal loss occurred in 29 sIUGR twins and two larger twins, whereas one larger twin experienced neonatal death. Survival rates without BA were 44% (n = 23) for sIUGR twins and 94% (n = 49) for the larger twins. DISCUSSION: FLP for MCDA with sIUGR presenting with oligohydramnios in the sIUGR twin might be considered a prenatal treatment option.

New terminology for adverse events of fetal therapy: Re-evaluation of the thoraco-amniotic shunting in a Japanese study.

AIM: Since fetal therapy has been newly developed, objective evaluation of adverse events (AE), all harmful events that are not always related to the procedures, has not yet been adequately reported. We established new terminology and tried to re-evaluate it based on the Japanese prospective thoraco-amniotic shunting (TAS) study. METHODS: From the literature, all complications that occurred with all fetal therapies were identified as a basis for developing the terminology. Grading was set from 0 to 5. Grade 3 was defined as the need for invasive treatment, such as surgery. Grade 4 was defined as life-threatening, and Grade 5 was defined as death of the mother or fetus. Then, one series of TAS that we had already reported was re-evaluated, including 24 cases with 37 procedures and 200 opportunities those could be evaluated AE after procedures. RESULTS: Grade 4 preterm rupture of the membranes was reported in only 1 of 24 cases. Catheter displacement was reported in 7, 2 and 11 cases, of Grades 1, 2 and 3, respectively. It was found that the double-basket catheter had some association with catheter displacement, but it was clear that there were no life-threatening AE. CONCLUSION: Newly developed AE criteria are now available for fetal therapy. They will contribute to the objective evaluation of AE of new fetal therapies in the future.

The most common causative bacteria in maternal sepsis-related deaths in Japan were group A Streptococcus: A nationwide survey.

The present retrospective study provides an in-depth analysis of the maternal sepsis-related deaths reported in Japan, and aims to guide future care regarding maternal sepsis. This is a nationwide, retrospective, descriptive cohort study. Data were retrospectively analyzed on all maternal death cases related to sepsis reported in Japan from 2010 through 2016. A total of 7,347,727 births and 317 maternal deaths were reported during the study period. The cause of maternal death was sepsis in 24 women (7.5%). Causative bacteria were Streptococcus pyogenes (54.2%), Chlamydia psittaci (8.3%), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (8.3%), Escherichia coli (4.2%), Neisseria meningitidis (4.2%), Epstein-Barr virus (4.2%), and unknown (16.6%). In maternal death due to S. pyogenes (13 women), onset periods ware antepartum in 10 women (76.9%) and postpartum in 3 (23.1%); death within 24 h after hospital admission occurred in 7 women (53.8%); and the median time from hospital admission to death was 12 h (6-744 h). The most common causative bacteria in to maternal sepsis-related death were GAS. When encountering severe sepsis during the peripartum period, we recommend considering severe GAS infection and early intervention.

Chorioamniotic Membrane Separation after Fetoscopic Laser Photocoagulation.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors, incidence, and influence on the perinatal outcome of chorioamniotic membrane separation (CMS) after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 312 women who underwent FLP for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Clinical records were used to review obstetrical examinations, complications, operative data, ultrasonographic findings, and perinatal and neonatal follow-up data in all patients. RESULTS: A total of 260 cases of TTTS were analyzed. The incidence of CMS was 12.7% (33 cases). The only independent risk factor of CMS was performing FLP before 20 weeks of gestational age (GA) (odds ratio = 3.38 [1.44-7.93], p = 0.005). Concerning perinatal outcome, CMS was only related with increased risk of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) before 32 weeks (33.3 vs. 13.9%, p = 0.005), with no differences in GA at delivery and survival rate. DISCUSSION: In our cohort, the incidence of CMS after FLP was approximately 13%, with surgery before 20 weeks being the only risk factor identified. Although in our population CMS did not worsen perinatal outcome in terms of preterm delivery or survival, the preterm PROM rate was increased and this should be considered for the patients' management.

The experience of modified sequential selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels technique for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of vascular anastomoses (FLP) is the essential choice in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). We proposed that the modified sequential selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (modified SQLPCV) to clarify the perinatal outcomes in TTTS. METHODS: The modified SQLPCV was designed with the following order: 1, artery-to-artery anastomoses; 2, venous-to-venous anastomoses; 3, artery-to-venous anastomoses from donor to recipient; and 4, artery-to-venous anastomoses from recipient to donor. The perinatal outcomes were present in TTTS patients who underwent the modified SQLPCV. RESULTS: A total of 203 women underwent modified SQLPCV. The mean pregnancy prolongation period was 83 days, and the mean gestational age at delivery was 33 weeks (range 23-40 weeks). There was a significantly lower rate of recipient fetal demise than donor fetal demise (4% vs. 13%; p < .01). The survival rate of zero and one were respectively 6% (13/203) and 19% (39/203). Two survivors were seen in 74% (151/203), and at least one survivor in 94% (190/203). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that abnormal fetal Doppler measurements in donor were correlated with donor demise after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The modified SQLPCV represents satisfactory outcomes for fetuses complicating with TTTS.

Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for amniotic fluid discordance bordering on twin-twin transfusion syndrome: Feasibility, perinatal and long-term outcomes.

AIM: This study investigated the feasibility and safety of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) for amniotic fluid discordance (AFD) bordering on twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with an absent or reverse end-diastolic velocity (AREDV) in the umbilical artery (UA), and evaluated the perinatal and long-term outcomes. METHODS: A prospective intervention study was performed between 20 + 0 and 25 + 6 weeks of gestation (UMIN000004165). AFD bordering on TTTS was defined as maximum vertical pocket (MVP) of amniotic fluid in one twin's sac ≤3 cm and amniotic fluid MVP in the other twin's sac ≥7 cm excluding TTTS. Neurodevelopmental outcome was evaluated at 6 months and at 3 years of age. RESULTS: Eleven women were treated without complications between September 2010 and July 2011. In all cases amnioinfusion was required, with a median surgical time of 70 min. There were nine cases of selective intrauterine growth restriction in which the growth discordant rate was >25%. The survival rates of the donor and recipient twins were 27.3% (3/11) and 100% (11/11), respectively. None of the surviving donor twins and two of the 11 recipient twins had hemiplegia at 6 months of age. One additional recipient twin had developmental delay at 3 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for AFD bordering on TTTS with AREDV in the UA was feasible without complications but frequently resulted in donor twin death and a high survival rate of the recipient twin, albeit with neurodevelopmental abnormalities in some cases. FLP does not seem to be a promising treatment option for AFD bordering on TTTS.

[Comparison between Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl Infusion during Fetoscopic Laser Photocoagulation for Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome].

BACKGROUND: Fetoscopic laser coagulation is an ef- fective treatment for the vascular anastomoses present in twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS); how- ever, anesthetic management during the procedure has not yet been standardized. We hypothesized that dex- medetomidine could produce excellent maternal seda- tion during fetoscopic surgery. Therefore, we per- formed a prospective study to compare dexmedetomi- dine with fentanyl infusion, which had been previously used for sedation. METHODS: Patients scheduled for fetoscopic laser coagulation for TTTS were randomized into 2 groups. In the first group (n =19), fentanyl (2 µg · kg-1) was intravenously infused, followed by a maintenance dose of 1-2,µg · kg⁻¹ · hr⁻¹. The second group (n=18) received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine (1 µg · kg⁻¹) for 10 min, followed by a maintenance dose of 0.7 µg · kg⁻¹ · hr⁻¹. Both groups received 1% lidocaine administered locally. Adverse event incidence, hemo- dynamic parameters, and face scale were evaluated. RESULTS: One patient in the dexmedetomidine group required conversion to general anesthesia. Vomiting, nausea, and respiratory depression were significantly more frequent with fentanyl than with dexmedetomi- dine. Face scale scores were significantly better with dexmedetomidine than with fentanyl. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous dexmedetomidine infusion provides acceptable maternal analgesia and sedation during endoscopic treatment of TTTS.

[A Case Report of Mirror Syndrome after Fetoscopic Laser Photocoagulation for Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome].

Mirror syndrome is a rare obstetric condition where a mother "mirrors" the edema of her hydropic fetus and placenta. We present the successful resolution of mirror syndrome following fetoscopic laser photocoag- ulation for twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). A 36-year-old woman was pregnant with monocho- rionic twins. She was diagnosed with TTTS at the 23rd week of pregnancy and transported to our hospi- tal by ambulance for treatment Her human chorionic gonadotropin serum concentration was 144,437 IU - ml'. Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation was performed under local anesthesia with dexmedetomidine. How- ever, her restlessness disturbed the procedure and conversion to general anesthesia was required, which facilitated successful completion of the surgical proce- dure. Postoperatively, her vital signs were stable, and after 30 min, the saturation decreased to 80%. She was intubated, sedated with propofol, and transported to the intensive care unit A transthoracic ultrasound examination showed no cardiomyopathy. A chest X-ray suggested pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema disap- peared immediately, and she was extubated after 36 hr. Postoperatively, the twins had a good prognosis. There are several reports of mirror syndrome after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for TTTS. Recovery from mirror syndrome can improve following the reso- lution of fetal hydrops in TTTS using fetoscopic laser photocoagulation.

A prospective pilot study of fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome between 26 and 27 weeks of gestation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to clarify the feasibility and efficacy of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of placental vascular communicating vessels (FLP) on twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) after 26 weeks of gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective pilot study investigating all cases of TTTS between 26 weeks and 27 weeks during 2012 and 2013 in Japan. The primary endpoints in this study were the feasibility of FLP and rate of harmful complications for the mother's health. Also, perinatal prognosis was investigated. RESULTS: Six cases were enrolled and underwent FLP. Two of the six cases were classified preoperatively as Quintero Stage II and four cases were Stage III. FLP was completely achieved in all six cases. No severe maternal complications were noted during and immediately after the surgery. All but one case continued the pregnancies > 14 days after FLP. The median gestational age at delivery was 33.4 weeks (28.0-36.6 weeks). All 12 fetuses survived at the 28(th) day in the neonatal period. No case was diagnosed with cerebral lesion at the neonatal period. CONCLUSION: This prospective pilot study shows that FLP could be a therapeutic option for TTTS between 26 weeks and 27 weeks of gestation.