Twin twin transfusion syndrome with and without selective fetal growth restriction: Predictors of donor demise

Prenat Diagn. 2021 Nov;41(12):1524-1530. doi: 10.1002/pd.6049. Epub 2021 Oct 17.

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate survival in twin twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with and without selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) after fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS).

Methods: Retrospective study of monochorionic diamniotic twins undergoing FLS. The cohort was classified as TTTS and TTTS with sFGR. Baseline, intra-operative and postoperative variables were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U, Pearson chi-square, Fisher's exact, t-test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed.

Results: Four hundred and ninety-two pregnancies were included, 304 (61.78%) TTTS and 188 (38.22%) TTTS with sFGR. No difference in donor outcomes. TTTS group had higher donor estimated fetal weight (EFW%) percentile (19.7 ± 18.8 vs. 2.2 ± 2.1, p < 0.001). Significant predictors for demise at 30 days were 37% intertwin weight discordance (IWD) with donor EFW% < first (area under ROC curve [AUC] = 0.85, p = 0.001) or IWD >25% and intertwin umbilical artery pulsatility index discordance (DUAPI) ≥0.4 (AUC = 0.71, p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Combination of IWD of 37% and donor EFW% <first was most predictive for demise 30 days after birth. DUAPI ≥0.4 was also associated with increased risk for demise.

Keywords: Twin twin transfusion syndrome; abnormal Dopplers; donor demise; fetoscopic laser surgery; monochorionic twins; selective fetal growth restriction.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / classification
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / diagnosis
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / physiopathology*
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / classification
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / diagnosis
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Maryland
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Texas
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / methods