First-trimester intervention in twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence: does size matter?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of first-trimester intervention (12 + 0 to 14 + 0 weeks of gestation) in pregnancies complicated by twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence. METHODS: All monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies diagnosed with TRAP sequence that underwent intrafetal laser ablation (IFL) of the feeding vessels before 14 + 0 weeks of gestation at the University of Bonn between 2010 and 2015 were analyzed retrospectively for intrauterine course and outcome. RESULTS: In the study period, 12 pregnancies with TRAP sequence were treated by IFL. Median gestational age at intervention was 13.2 (interquartile range (IQR), 12.6-13.6) weeks. In all cases, one intervention sufficed to disrupt the perfusion of the TRAP twin. There was no case of miscarriage, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes or hemorrhage. In five (41.7%) pregnancies, intrauterine death of the pump twin occurred at a median of 72.0 (IQR, 54.0-90.0; range, 48-96) h after intervention. The remaining seven pregnancies continued uneventfully resulting in birth of a healthy infant at term. A comparison of survivors and non-survivors identified a significant difference in median discordance between crown-rump length (CRL) of the pump twin and upper pole-rump length (URL) of the TRAP twin ((CRL - URL)/CRL ratio, 0.56 vs 0.31; P < 0.05 and URL/CRL ratio, 0.44 vs 0.68; P < 0.05). Survivors were treated at a significantly later gestational age than were non-survivors (median, 13.4 (IQR, 12.9-14.1) vs 12.6 (IQR, 12.5-13.1); P < 0.05). However, none of these parameters independently predicted survival. CONCLUSIONS: Although technically feasible, IFL performed in the first trimester for TRAP sequence is associated with a significant fetal loss rate. Gestational age at intervention, (CRL - URL)/CRL ratio and URL/CRL ratio are potential predictors of pregnancy outcome. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Early vs late intervention in twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two different management approaches in prenatally diagnosed twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all cases with TRAP sequence diagnosed in one center over a period of 10 years. Prior to 2010, all cases were managed expectantly until 19 weeks' gestation; thereafter, patients could choose either radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or expectant management (Group A). From 2010 onward all patients were offered interstitial laser at the time of diagnosis (12 weeks at the earliest) or expectant management (Group B). RESULTS: Forty cases were included in the study. In Group A, 23 cases were diagnosed at a mean gestational age of 19.9 ± 6.3 weeks. Sixteen patients were managed expectantly (13 survivors, 81%), while six underwent RFA at the time of diagnosis and one later in pregnancy (six survivors, 86%). In Group B, 17 cases were diagnosed at a mean gestational age of 16.4 ± 4.7 weeks. Six patients chose expectant management (five survivors, 83%) and 11 had interstitial laser therapy at the time of diagnosis (eight survivors, 73%). The loss rate of the pump twin was not significantly different between Group A and Group B (three of 23 vs four of 17; P = 0.3). In Group B the rates of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and delivery < 34 weeks were significantly lower, and gestational age at birth as well as birth weight were significantly higher than in Group A. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations resulting from its retrospective design, our study on management of TRAP sequence adds some evidence in favor of prophylactic intervention by intrafetal laser from 12 weeks onward.

Bronchopulmonary sequestration with massive pleural effusion: pleuroamniotic shunting vs intrafetal vascular laser ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of complications among a relatively large cohort of fetuses with bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) and the success of two different intrauterine treatment modalities. METHODS: All cases with a prenatal diagnosis of BPS detected in a 10-year period (2002-2011) in two tertiary referral centers were reviewed retrospectively for intrauterine course and outcome. Up to May 2010 severe pleural effusions were treated with pleuroamniotic shunting. Thereafter, they were treated with ultrasound-guided laser coagulation of the feeding artery. RESULTS: A total of 41 fetuses with BPS were included in the study. In 29 (70.7%) there was no pleural effusion or hydrops and they were treated conservatively. In 19/29 (65.5%) there was partial or complete regression of the lesion during the course of pregnancy. All were born alive (median age at delivery, 38.3 (interquartile range (IQR), 34.0-39.6) weeks) and 16 (55.2%) required sequestrectomy. Intrauterine intervention was performed in all 12 (29.3%) fetuses with pleural effusion. Seven fetuses were treated with pleuroamniotic shunting. One fetus with severe hydrops died in utero. There was no complete regression in any case of BPS in this group. Six infants were born alive (median age, 37.2 (IQR, 30.3-37.4) weeks), of which five (83.3%) required sequestrectomy. Five fetuses were treated with laser ablation of the feeding vessel. In all cases of BPS there was regression after laser ablation. All infants were delivered at term (median age, 39.1 (IQR, 38.0-40.0) weeks). One (20.0%) neonate required sequestrectomy after birth. Following intrauterine shunt placement complete regression of the lesion was significantly less frequent (0/7 (0%) with shunt placement vs 4/5 (80%) with intrafetal laser treatment) and gestational age at birth was significantly lower, compared to treatment with intrafetal laser. Complete regression of the lesion was also significantly more frequent in the laser group compared to cases without intervention. CONCLUSION: In the absence of pleural effusion, the likelihood of spontaneous regression of BPS is high and the prognosis is therefore favorable. In cases with massive pleural effusion, treatment by laser ablation of the feeding vessel seems to be more effective than is pleuroamniotic shunting, with fewer complications. It might also reduce the need for postnatal surgery.