Overview and Long-term Outcomes of Patients Born With Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) results from a disproportionate blood supply between two (or more) fetuses that share a single placenta. Multiple complications can occur as a result of the syndrome, including intrauterine growth restriction in the donor twin, cardiomyopathies in recipients, and neurodevelopmental morbidities in survivors. Studies indicate that patients with TTTS have higher incidences of congenital heart disease compared with the unaffected population, and even when compared with uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic twins. If managed properly, TTTS can result in a positive outcome for most patients.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus and pregnancy.

Diabetes complicates up to 10% of all pregnancies in the United States. Of these, 0.2% to 0.5% are patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Pregnancies affected by T1DM are at increased risk for preterm delivery, preeclampsia, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, intrauterine fetal demise, fetal growth restriction, cardiac and renal malformations, in addition to rare neural conditions such as sacral agenesis. Intensive glycemic control and preconception planning have been shown to decrease the rate of fetal demise and malformations seen in pregnancies complicated by T1DM. Recent advances in insulin formulations and delivery methods have increased the number of options available to the obstetric team. Insulin regimens should be tailored to each individual patient to maximize compliance and ensure proper glycemic control. Intensive preconception counseling with frequent follow-up visits emphasizing tight glucose control is recommended for adequate management.

Gestational diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects between 2% and 5% of pregnant women. Data show that increasing levels of plasma glucose are associated with birth weight above the 90th percentile, cord blood serum C-peptide level above the 90th percentile, and, to a lesser degree, primary cesarean deliveries and neonatal hypoglycemia. Risk factors for GDM include history of macrosomia, strong family history of diabetes, and obesity. Screening protocol for GDM is controversial; some recommend a universal approach, whereas others exempt low-risk patients. The cornerstone of management is glycemic control. Quality nutritional intake is essential. Patients with GDM who cannot control their glucose levels with diet alone will require insulin. There is no consensus as to when to initiate insulin therapy, but more conservative guidelines are in place to help minimize macrosomia and its associated risks to the infant. It is generally recommended that pregnancies complicated by GDM do not go beyond term.