Third-trimester fetoscopic ablation therapy for types II and III vasa previa.

BACKGROUND: Vasa previa is an obstetrical condition in which fetal vessels located near the cervix traverse the fetal membranes unprotected by underlying placenta. Type I vasa previa arises directly from a velamentous cord root, whereas types II and III arise from an accessory lobe or a distal lobe of the same placenta, respectively. Fetoscopic laser ablation for types II and III vasa previa is a novel therapeutic option with benefits that include surgical resolution of the vasa previa, avoidance of prolonged hospitalization, and opportunity for a term vaginal delivery. The potential risks of fetoscopy can be mitigated by delaying laser surgery until a gestational age of 31 to 33 weeks, immediately before anticipated hospitalized surveillance. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess feasibility and outcomes of types II and III vasa previa patients treated via fetoscopic laser ablation in the third trimester. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study of singleton pregnancies with types II and III vasa previa treated with fetoscopic laser ablation at a gestational age ≥31 weeks at a single center between 2006 and 2022. Pregnancy and newborn outcomes were assessed. Continuous variables are expressed as mean±standard deviation. RESULTS: Of 84 patients referred for vasa previa, 57 did not undergo laser ablation: 19 either had no or resolved vasa previa, 25 had type I vasa previa (laser-contraindicated), and 13 had type II or III vasa previa but declined laser treatment. Of the remaining 27 patients who underwent laser ablation, 7 were excluded (laser performed at <31 weeks and/or twins), leaving 20 study patients. The mean gestational age at fetoscopic laser ablation was 32.0±0.6 weeks, and total operative time was 62.1±19.6 minutes. There were no perioperative complications. All patients had successful occlusion of the vasa previa vessels (1 required a second procedure). All patients were subsequently managed as outpatients. The mean gestational age at delivery was 37.2±1.8 weeks, the mean birthweight was 2795±465 g, and 70% delivered vaginally. Neonatal intensive care unit admission occurred in 3 cases: 1 for respiratory distress syndrome and 2 for hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy. There were no cases of neonatal transfusion, intraventricular hemorrhage, sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus, or death. CONCLUSION: Laser ablation for types II and III vasa previa at 31 to 33 gestational weeks was technically achievable and resulted in favorable outcomes.

Randomized controlled trial of twin-twin transfusion syndrome laser surgery: the sequential trial.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative blood transfer between twins during laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome can vary by surgical technique and has been proposed to explain differences in donor twin survival. OBJECTIVE: This trial compared donor twin survival with 2 laser techniques: the sequential technique, in which the arteriovenous communications from the volume-depleted donor to the volume-overloaded recipient are laser-occluded before those from recipient to donor, and the selective technique, in which the occlusion of the vascular communications is performed in no particular order. STUDY DESIGN: A single-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted in which twin-twin transfusion syndrome patients were randomized to sequential vs selective laser surgery. Nested within the trial, a second trial randomized patients with superficial anastomoses (arterioarterial and venovenous) to ablation of these connections first (before ablating the arteriovenous anastomoses) vs last. The primary outcome measure was donor twin survival at birth. RESULTS: A total of 642 patients were randomized. Overall donor twin survival was similar between the 2 groups (274 of 320 [85.6%] vs 271 of 322 [84.2%]; odds ratio, 1.12 [95% confidence interval, 0.73-1.73]; P=.605). Superficial anastomoses occurred in 177 of 642 cases (27.6%). Donor survival was lower in the superficial anastomosis group vs those with only arteriovenous communications (125 of 177 [70.6%] vs 420 of 465 [90.3%]; adjusted odds ratio, 0.33 [95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.54]; P<.001). In cases with superficial anastomoses, donor survival was independent of the timing of ablation or surgical technique. The postoperative mean middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity was lower in the sequential vs selective group (1.00±0.30 vs 1.06±0.30 multiples of the median; P=.003). Post hoc analyses showed 2 factors that were associated with poor overall donor twin survival: the presence or absence of donor twin preoperative critical abnormal Doppler parameters and the presence or absence of arterioarterial anastomoses. Depending on these factors, 4 categories of patients resulted: (1) Category 1 (347 of 642 [54%]), no donor twin critical abnormal Doppler + no arterioarterial anastomoses: donor twin survival was 91.2% in the sequential and 93.8% in the selective groups; (2) Category 2 (143 of 642 [22%]), critical abnormal Doppler present + no arterioarterial anastomoses: donor survival was 89.9% vs 75.7%; (3) Category 3 (73 of 642 [11%]), no critical abnormal Doppler + arterioarterial anastomoses present: donor survival was 94.7% vs 74.3%; and (4) Category 4 (79 of 642 [12%]), critical abnormal Doppler present + arterioarterial anastomoses present: donor survival was 47.6% vs 64.9%. CONCLUSION: Donor twin survival did not differ between the sequential vs selective laser techniques and did not differ if superficial anastomoses were ablated first vs last. The donor twin's postoperative middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity was improved with the sequential vs the selective approach. Post hoc analyses suggest that donor twin survival may be associated with the choice of laser technique according to high-risk factors. Further study is needed to determine whether using these categories to guide the choice of surgical technique will improve outcomes.

Diagnosis and Management of 2 Cases of Spontaneous Septostomy: Monochorionic/Dichorionic Hybrid Twin Gestation and Dichorionic Triamniotic Triplet Gestation.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous septostomy is a rare complication of multiple gestations. Related complications include cord entanglement and preterm delivery. Limited data exist to guide the management of these high-risk patients. The majority of spontaneous septostomy cases have been reported in monochorionic diamniotic twins. We present 2 cases of spontaneous septostomy occurring in a monochorionic/dichorionic hybrid twin gestation (chorionicity transitions from dichorionicity to monochorionicity within the placenta) and in a dichorionic triamniotic triplet gestation. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1 was a monochorionic/dichorionic hybrid twin gestation with a septostomy complicated by fetal parts of one twin protruding into the co-twin's sac as well as symptomatic polyhydramnios. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the septostomy. Case 2 was a dichorionic triamniotic triplet gestation with septostomy and cord entanglement. Both patients were managed akin to a pseudo-monoamniotic gestation with serial ultrasound surveillance and eventual inpatient admission for heightened fetal monitoring. Case 1 underwent elective scheduled cesarean delivery at 33 weeks, and case 2 underwent emergent cesarean delivery for fetal heart rate decelerations at 28 weeks. CONCLUSION: With a high degree of clinical suspicion, spontaneous septostomy can be diagnosed in uncommon settings such as hybrid twin gestations and higher order multiples. Management of such patients is individualized and may include a combination of heightened outpatient and inpatient surveillance.

Temporal ultrasound findings in the first trimester of a dual fetal demise occurring in a monochorionic diamniotic twin gestation.

Single fetal demise in monochorionic gestations in the 2nd and 3rd trimester is associated with adverse outcomes for the co-twin. We present a case of single demise in a monochorionic gestation in the 1st trimester with evidence of subsequent hemodynamic aberrations in the co-twin, supportive of feto-fetal hemorrhage occurring early in gestation.

Multimodal Management of Cervical Insufficiency Complicated by Intra-amniotic Candida albicans Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Bacteria are the most common pathogens implicated in ascending infections in patients with cervical insufficiency. However, Candida albicans is a rare and serious cause of intra-amniotic infection that should be considered on the differential diagnosis. Upon diagnosis following cerclage placement, patients are generally advised to undergo immediate cerclage removal and discontinuation of the pregnancy due to the high risk of maternal and fetal morbidity. However, some patients decline and instead elect to continue the pregnancy with or without treatment. Limited data exist to guide management of these high-risk patients. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of previable intra-amniotic C. albicans infection diagnosed following physical examination-indicated cerclage placement. The patient declined pregnancy termination and subsequently underwent systemic antifungal therapy as well as serial intra-amniotic fluconazole instillations. Fetal blood sampling confirmed transplacental transfer of maternal systemic antifungal therapy. The fetus delivered preterm and without evidence of fungemia, despite persistently positive amniotic fluid cultures. CONCLUSION: In a well-counseled patient with culture-proven intra-amniotic C. albicans infection declining termination of pregnancy, multimodal antifungal therapy in the form of systemic and intra-amniotic fluconazole administration may prevent subsequent fetal or neonatal fungemia and improve postnatal outcomes. KEY POINTS: · Candida is an uncommon cause of intra-amniotic infection in the setting of cervical insufficiency.. · Multimodal antifungal therapy may prevent fetal fungemia related to intra-amniotic Candida infection.. · Fetal blood sampling confirmed transplacental passage of fluconazole after maternal administration..

Percutaneous/mini-laparotomy fetoscopic repair of open spina bifida: a novel surgical technique.

Open spina bifida is the most common congenital anomaly of the central nervous system compatible with life. Prenatal repair of open spina bifida via open maternal-fetal surgery has been shown to improve postnatal neurologic outcomes, including reducing the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting and improving lower neuromotor function. Fetoscopic repair of open spina bifida minimizes the maternal risks while providing similar neurosurgical outcomes to the fetus. The following 2 fetoscopic techniques are currently in use: (1) the laparotomy-assisted approach, and (2) the percutaneous approach. The laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic technique appears to be associated with a lesser risk of preterm birth than the percutaneous approach. However, the percutaneous approach avoids laparotomy and uterine exteriorization and is associated with lesser anesthesia risk and improved maternal postsurgical recovery. The purpose of this article was to describe our experience with a modified surgical approach, which we call percutaneous/mini-laparotomy fetoscopy, in which access to the uterus for one of the ports is done via a mini-laparotomy, whereas the other ports are inserted percutaneously. This technique draws on the benefits of both the laparotomy-assisted and the percutaneous techniques while minimizing their drawbacks. This surgical approach may prove invaluable in the prenatal repair of open spina bifida and other complex fetal surgical procedures.

Outcomes of laser surgery for stage I twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated no difference in 6 month survival in expectantly managed stage I twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) patients and those undergoing immediate laser surgery. We aimed to describe outcomes following immediate laser surgery at a single fetal surgery center. METHODS: A retrospective study of monochorionic diamniotic twins diagnosed with stage I TTTS who underwent laser surgery between 16 and 26 gestational weeks from 2006 to 2019. The primary outcome was 6 month survivorship. Intact survival was also assessed. Secondarily, outcomes were compared to the RCT expectant management group. RESULTS: Of 126 consecutive stage I TTTS patients, 114 (90.5%) met inclusion criteria. Median (range) gestational age at delivery was 34.1 (20.6-39.4) weeks. At 6 months, the proportion of patients with at-least-one survivor in the single-center-laser cohort was 97.4%, with 88.6% dual survivorship. Neurological morbidity outcomes were available in 110 pregnancies (220 fetuses). Severe neurological morbidity occurred in 2.7% (6/220), and 6 month survival without severe neurological morbidity was 90.0%. Outcomes compared favorably with the RCT expectant management group. CONCLUSIONS: Given favorable survival and neurological outcomes, laser surgery is a reasonable treatment option for stage I TTTS at experienced fetal surgery centers. Further study is warranted to optimize treatment strategies.

Selective Fetal Growth Restriction Type III: Application of a Recent Expert Consensus Definition.

OBJECTIVES: Per a recent expert definition, diagnosis of selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) in monochorionic diamniotic twins is based on an estimated fetal weight (EFW) <3% as sole criterion and/or combinations of 4 contributory criteria (1 twin EFW <10%; 1 twin abdominal circumference <10%; EFW discordance ≥25%; and smaller twin umbilical artery [UA] pulsatility index >95th percentile). We assessed these criteria in sFGR Type III (intermittent absent or reversed end-diastolic flow of the UA [iAREDF]) patients to test whether meeting the more stringent parameters of the consensus definition had worse outcomes, that is, progression to sFGR Type II (persistent AREDF) or twin-twin transfusion syndrome; or secondarily, decreased dual survivorship. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of referred sFGR Type III patients (2006-2017). Patients were retrospectively categorized using consensus criteria for 2 comparisons: 1) EFW <3% versus remaining cohort; 2) EFW <3% or met all 4 contributory criteria versus remaining cohort. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were studied. Comparison 1: EFW <3% patients (58.3%) were not more likely to demonstrate disease progression (46.4% versus 65.0%, P = .2489) or worse dual survivorship (78.6% versus 85.0%, P = .7161). Comparison 2: EFW <3% or met all 4 contributory criteria (75.0%) patients were not more likely than the others to demonstrate progression (44.4% versus 83.3%, P = .0235) or worse dual survivorship (80.6% versus 83.3%, P = 1.0000). CONCLUSIONS: In a referred cohort of sFGR Type III patients, there was no evidence that meeting more stringent parameters of the consensus definition was associated with disease progression or dual survivorship.

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome and the definition of recipient polyhydramnios.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the threshold of recipient twin polyhydramnios required to diagnose twin-twin transfusion syndrome at a gestational age of ≥20 weeks. One criterion set (Quintero staging) requires the amniotic fluid maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin to measure ≥8 cm, whereas another (European) system uses a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin of ≥10 cm. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome who were treated with laser surgery and would be excluded from laser surgery according to the European criteria. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 366 monochorionic diamniotic twins diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion syndrome from 20 to 26 weeks' gestation who underwent laser surgery at our center were studied. A maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin of ≥8 cm was used to diagnose twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Patients were retrospectively divided into the following 2 groups: group A with a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin of ≥8 cm and <10 cm and group B with a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin of ≥10 cm. The association of each of the groups with the survivorship outcomes was tested. Bivariate associations between the patient characteristics and the 30-day donor twin and dual survivorship outcomes were evaluated. Tests used in the analysis were chi-square or Fisher exact tests as appropriate for categorical variables and Kruskal-Wallis tests for continuous variables. Multiple logistic regression models for each of the survivorship outcomes were then assessed. The results are reported as mean±standard deviation. RESULTS: Of the 366 studied patients, 53 (14.5%) had a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin of ≥8 and <10 cm (group A) and 313 (85.5%) had a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin of ≥10 cm (group B). Groups A and B did not differ in the Quintero stage. Notably, 60.4% (32 of 53) of group A patients were stage III or IV. When compared with group B, group A was diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion syndrome at an earlier gestational age (21.7±1.6 vs 22.3±1.6 weeks; P=.0037) and had a higher prevalence of donor growth restriction (81.1% [43 of 53] vs 65.5% [205 of 313]; P=.0260). Rates of at least 1 twin and dual twin survival between group A and B were similar (98.1% [52 of 53] vs 95.8% [300 of 313]; P=.7023, and 79.2% [42 of 53] vs 83.4% [261 of 313]; P=.4369, respectively). Logistic regression models adjusted for perioperative characteristics showed no difference in the outcomes between the groups (group B as reference) (donor twin survival odds ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-1.42; P=.2753; and dual survivor odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-1.91; P=.7757). CONCLUSION: Restriction of the definition of twin-twin transfusion syndrome to a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient of ≥10 cm beyond 20 weeks gestational age would potentially exclude 14.5% of patients from laser surgery, the majority of whom had advanced stage twin-twin transfusion syndrome. A unifying criterion of a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient of ≥8 cm regardless of gestational age would allow inclusion of these patients and access to surgical management.

Dual demise following laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome: Analysis of 52 cases at a single fetal surgery center.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate all individual cases of dual twin demise following laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHOD: This is an analysis of all monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations with TTTS complicated by dual demise following laser surgery from 2006 to 2019. Cases were reviewed by (1) a fetal surgeon researcher and (2) a panel of independent experienced maternal-fetal medicine specialists to code an etiology of demise for the donor and recipient, and to assess for possible preventability. RESULTS: Of 753 twins that underwent laser surgery for TTTS, 52 (6.9%) had postoperative dual demise. In this subgroup, gestational age at surgery was 19.5 (16.1-24.9) weeks, and 36 (69.2%) patients were Quintero stage III and IV. The most common etiology was the spectrum of disorders leading to preterm delivery, which included cervical insufficiency, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and preterm labor (44.2% and 48.1%, donor and recipient, respectively). Some degree of preventability was estimated for 23.1% of dual demises. CONCLUSIONS: The most common cause of dual demise post laser surgery for TTTS was preterm birth, reinforcing the need for studies regarding the etiology and prevention of post-fetoscopy prematurity. Nearly one-quarter of dual demise cases were deemed potentially preventable.

Fetal neurodevelopmental recovery in donors after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) provide a unique opportunity to non-invasively measure markers of neurodevelopment in survivors of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). OBJECTIVE: To characterize fetal brain maturation after laser surgery for TTTS by measuring brain volumes and cerebral metabolite concentrations using fetal MRI + MRS. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of dual surviving fetuses treated with laser surgery for TTTS. At 4-5 postoperative weeks, fetal MRI was used together with novel image analysis to automatically extract major brain tissue volumes. Fetal MRS was used to measure major metabolite concentrations in the fetal brain. RESULTS: Twenty-one twin pairs were studied. The average (±SD) gestational age at MRI was 25.89 (±2.37) weeks. Total brain volume (TBV) was lower in the donors, although cerebral volumes were not different between twin pairs. Recipients showed lower proportions of cortical and cerebellar volumes, normalized to TBV and cerebral volumes. MRS data showed that biochemical differences between twin brains were related to discrepancy in their brain volumes. CONCLUSION: Although donors have a smaller TBV compared to recipients, proportionality of brain tissue volumes are preserved in donors. MRS maturational markers of fetal brain development show that recovery in donors persists 4 weeks after surgery.

Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Complicated by Proximate Placental Cord Insertion Sites: Endoscopic Clip-Assisted Laser Occlusion.

INTRODUCTION: Severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with a large vascular communication between proximate placental cord insertion sites is a therapeutic dilemma because laser ablation may cause thermal injury to the cord roots and subsequent fetal demise. CASE PRESENTATION: Stage IV TTTS with placental cord insertion sites 1.3 cm apart and with an intervening large arterio-arterial (AA) anastomosis presented for treatment. The application of endoclips onto the large AA anastomosis between the cord roots allowed for successful laser occlusion using minimal energy. Both the donor and recipient twins were alive and well at 6 months of age. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic clip-assisted laser occlusion of a placental vessel is technically feasible and may be a useful therapeutic option in select cases.

Membrane Separation and Perinatal Outcomes after Laser Treatment for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative membrane separation is a complication of selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV) for the treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to determine whether a quantitative grading system of membrane separation following SLPCV was associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and preterm delivery (PTD). METHODS: Patients with membrane separation after SLPCV on postoperative day 1 were stratified into greatest width of separation <1 cm (Group A) or ≥1 cm (Group B) and compared to patients without separation by the following outcomes: PPROM ≤21 postoperative days, PTD <28 gestational weeks, and PTD <32 gestational weeks. RESULTS: Of 654 patients, 123 (18.8%) had membrane separation. Of these, 120 patients were eligible for study and divided into Groups A (n = 91) and B (n = 29). Multiple logistic regression analysis yielded associations with PPROM ≤21 days for Groups B (OR 8.60, 95% CI 3.38-21.90, p < 0.0001) and A (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.05-5.40, p = 0.0369) compared to those without membrane separation. In similar models, Group B was associated with PTD <32 weeks (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.10-5.28, p = 0.0274). CONCLUSION: Postoperative membrane separation was associated with an increased risk of PPROM ≤21 days. Membrane separation ≥1 cm had a higher risk of PTD <32 weeks.

Fetoscopic Laser Ablation Therapy for Type II Vasa Previa.

BACKGROUND: In type II vasa previa, fetoscopic laser ablation has the potential to avoid prolonged hospitalization, elective prematurity, and cesarean delivery associated with traditional conservative management. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and to report perinatal outcomes of type II vasa previa patients treated via fetoscopic laser ablation. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective descriptive study of all women with vasa previa treated with laser at our center between 2006 and 2019. After 2010, laser ablation of vasa previa was only offered after 31 gestational weeks. Continuous variables are expressed as means ± SD. RESULTS: 33 patients were evaluated for laser ablation of suspected vasa previa. Fifteen were not candidates (7 had type I vasa previa and 8 had no vasa previa), and the 18 remaining had type II vasa previa. Ten (56%) elected to undergo in utero laser ablation of the vasa previa vessel(s), which was successful in all patients. The mean gestational age (GA) at the time of the procedure was 28.8 ± 5.4 weeks, and the total operative time was 48.1 ± 21.3 min; there were no perioperative complications. The number of vessels lasered were distributed as follows: 1 (2 cases), 2 (5 cases), and 3 (3 cases). All patients except for 1 were subsequently managed as outpatients. The mean GA at delivery was 35.5 ± 3.2 weeks, and vaginal delivery occurred in 5 cases. The 5 patients with singletons who underwent laser ablation for primary diagnosis of type II vasa previa after the protocol change in 2010 had the following outcomes: mean GA of surgery was 32.5 ± 0.8 weeks, mean GA at delivery was 38.1 ± 1.4 weeks, vaginal delivery occurred in all cases, mean birth weight was 2,965 ± 596 g, and none were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: This cohort represents the largest number of vasa previa cases treated via in utero laser reported to date. Laser occlusion of type II vasa previa was technically achievable in all cases and resulted in favorable outcomes.

Risk Factors for Co-Twin Fetal Demise following Radiofrequency Ablation in Multifetal Monochorionic Gestations.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord occlusion via radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is utilized to maximize outcomes of the co-twin in complicated multifetal monochorionic (MC) gestations. However, post-procedure co-twin fetal demise is of concern. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for co-twin fetal demise following RFA. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of MC multiples that underwent RFA. Indications for RFA included twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence, selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) type II, discordant lethal anomalies, and twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with proximate placental cord insertion sites. The primary outcome was co-twin fetal demise. Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression modeling of identified risk factors were conducted. RESULTS: Of 36 patients studied, surgical indications were: TRAP (n = 15, 41.7%), sFGR (n = 10, 27.8%), discordant anomalies (n = 9, 25.0%), and TTTS (n = 2, 5.6%). Nine patients (25.0%) experienced a co-twin fetal demise. In multiple logistic regression analysis, fetal growth restriction (FGR) of one co-twin was associated with increased risk of co-twin fetal demise (OR = 10.85, 95% CI 1.03-114.48, p = 0.0474) and a preoperative diagnosis of TRAP was protective against fetal demise (OR = 0.06, 95% CI 0.00-0.84, p = 0.0368). CONCLUSION: Co-twin FGR was associated with an increased risk of post-RFA demise. When compared to other indications, patients with TRAP sequence were less likely to have a co-twin demise.

Survival Outcomes by Fetal Weight Discordance after Laser Surgery for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Complicated by Donor Fetal Growth Restriction.

INTRODUCTION: Management options for treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with severe donor intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) include fetoscopic laser surgery and umbilical cord occlusion (UCO). We studied perinatal survival outcomes in this select group after laser surgery, stratifying patients by preoperative estimated fetal weight (EFW) discordance. METHODS: In this retrospective study of monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations with TTTS and selective donor IUGR who underwent laser surgery (2006-2017), preoperative EFW discordance was calculated ([(larger twin - smaller twin)/(larger twin)] × 100) and cases were divided into discordance strata. Severe EFW discordance was defined as >35%. The primary outcome was 30-day donor twin neonatal survival. RESULTS: The 371 cases were distributed by discordance strata: ≤20% (74 [19.9%]), 21-25% (49 [13.2%]), 26-30% (68 [18.3%]), 31-35% (53 [14.3%]), 36-40% (51 [13.7%]), 41-45% (38 [10.2%]), >45% (38 [10.2%]). Donor 30-day survival declined as the discordance strata increased: 86.5, 85.7, 83.8, 75.5, 64.7, 63.2, and 65.8% (p = 0.0046); 30-day survival was inversely associated with severe discordance (>35%) (64.6 vs. 83.2%, p < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: In TTTS cases complicated by donor IUGR with severe growth discordance, laser surgery was associated with donor survivorship greater than 60% suggesting that, in this setting, laser surgery remains a reasonable alternative treatment to UCO.

Percent Absent End-Diastolic Velocity in the Umbilical Artery and Donor Twin Demise after Laser Surgery for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: To examine the association of preoperative absent end-diastolic velocity (AEDV) and percent AEDV (%AEDV) in the umbilical artery (UA) with donor twin intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of stage III/IV TTTS patients who underwent laser surgery from 2006 to 2016. Donors were classified as having preoperative persistent AEDV (yes/no). %AEDV was calculated for those with AEDV as 100× the proportion of the total cardiac cycle in AEDV. Using multiple logistic regression, we tested for an association between the outcome donor IUFD and AEDV risk factors (part 1) and %AEDV (part 2). We stratified these analyses by estimated fetal weight (EFW) discordance ≥20 versus <20%. RESULTS: Of 344 cases, 153 (44.5%) donors had AEDV. Part 1 did not confirm an independent association between AEDV and donor IUFD. In the part 2 analysis of the 153 patients with AEDV, %AEDV was a positive risk factor for donor IUFD only in those with discordance (n = 129) (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08, p = 0.0278) when adjusting for %EFW discordance, presence of arterioarterial anastomoses, and multiparity. DISCUSSION: Among stage III/IV TTTS patients with AEDV, %AEDV was a risk factor for donor IUFD only in the presence of EFW discordance.

Long-Term Outcomes After Thoracoamniotic Shunt for Pleural Effusions With Secondary Hydrops.

BACKGROUND: Congenital pleural effusion is a rare condition with an incidence of approximately one per 15,000 pregnancies. The development of secondary hydrops is a poor prognostic indicator and such cases can be managed with a thoracoamniotic shunt (TAS). Our objective is to describe postnatal outcomes in survivors after TAS placement for congenital pleural effusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of all cases with fetal pleural effusions treated between 2006 and 2016. Patients with dominant unilateral or bilateral pleural effusions complicated by secondary hydrops fetalis received TAS placement. The results are reported as median (range). RESULTS: A total of 29 patients with pleural effusion with secondary hydrops underwent TAS placement. The gestational age at the initial TAS placement was 27.6 (20.3-36.9) wk. Before delivery, hydrops resolved in 17 (58.6%) patients. The delivery gestational age was 35.7 (25.4-41.0) wk and the overall survival rate was 72.4%. Among the 21 survivors, 19 (90.5%) required admission to the neonatal intensive care unit for 15 (5-64) d. All 21 survivors had postnatal resolution of the pleural effusions. All 21 children were long-term survivors, with a median age of survivorship of 3 y 3 mo (9 mo-7 y 6 mo) at the time of last reported follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoamniotic shunting in fetuses with a dominant pleural effusion(s) and secondary hydrops resulted in a 72% survival rate. Nearly all survivors required admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. However, a majority did not have significant long-term morbidity.

In utero Fetal Intubation for a Large Neck Mass: A Minimally Invasive EXIT Option.

Fetuses with obstructive neck and orofacial lesions have been delivered via an ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure to facilitate securement of the airway while on placental circulation. Pregnancy-related cardiovascular changes and technical issues unique to an EXIT procedure increase fetal and maternal risks relative to a standard cesarean section. In order to circumvent such issues, fetal endoscopic intubation has been proposed. We report a case of a fetus with a large neck mass (mixed solid and multiloculated cystic lesion measuring 9.2 × 5.3 × 8.5 cm, neck hyperextension, protruding tongue, and serial gagging movements) that was successfully intubated in utero and delivered at 36 weeks and 0 days via standard cesarean section, thereby avoiding an EXIT procedure. The risks, benefits, and technical issues of in utero tracheal intubation are reviewed.

Types II and III congenital pulmonary airway malformation with hydrops treated in utero with percutaneous sclerotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To present outcomes of fetuses with congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) treated with sclerotherapy. METHODS: Retrospective study of 8 patients with a prenatal diagnosis of CPAM type II or III with secondary hydrops treated with percutaneous sclerotherapy using 5% ethanolamine oleate (EO). All patients underwent ultrasonic measurement of the CPAM volume ratio. Results are expressed as median (range). RESULTS: Gestational age at initial sclerotherapy was 22.0 weeks (19.6-31.4); 3 patients underwent 2 procedures. Intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) occurred in 4 cases; 2 died on postoperative day #1 (one from inadvertent intravascular EO injection); 2 died >6 weeks after the procedure. Preoperative CPAM volume ratio was 3.6 (1.6-7.8) in survivors and 2.7 (1.7-4.7) in those with IUFD. The volume of EO at the initial sclerotherapy procedure was 3 mL (2-5) in survivors and 7 mL (6-10) in IUFD cases. The gestational age at delivery of the 4 survivors was 38.4 weeks (37.4-39.3); all underwent postnatal resection. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of percutaneous sclerotherapy for CPAM types II and III remains in question. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dose of sclerotherapy agent and the safety and efficacy of this procedure.