Monochorionic twin pregnancies have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Due to the advancements in screening and treatment strategies, mortality rates have decreased. Improving survival... Show moreMonochorionic twin pregnancies have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Due to the advancements in screening and treatment strategies, mortality rates have decreased. Improving survival rates demands a shift in scope toward long-term outcomes. In this review, we focus on neurodevelopmental outcome in survivors from complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies, including twinetwin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS), acute peripartum TTTS, acute perimortem TTTS, selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) and monoamnionicity. Our aim is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the long-term outcome in survivors, including psychomotor development and quality of life, and provide recommendations for future research and follow-up programs. (c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Show less
Introduction: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a complication in monochorionic twin pregnancies which is preferably treated with fetoscopic laser surgery. A few small studies suggested a... Show moreIntroduction: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a complication in monochorionic twin pregnancies which is preferably treated with fetoscopic laser surgery. A few small studies suggested a possible association between the Solomon laser technique and placental abruption. Methods: The objective of this study is to compare the rate of and to explore potential risk factors for placental abruption in TTTS treated with fetoscopic laser surgery according to the Selective and Solomon laser technique. We conducted a large retrospective cohort study of consecutive TTTS-cases treated with fetoscopic laser surgery in Shanghai, China, and Leiden, The Netherlands treated with either the Selective laser technique (Selective group) or Solomon laser technique (Solomon group). Results: The rate of placental abruption in the Selective group versus the Solomon group was 1.7% (5/289) and 3.4% (15/441), respectively (p = 0.184). No risk factors for placental abruption were identified. Placental abruption was associated with lower gestational age at birth (p = 0.003) and severe cerebral injury (p = 0.003). Conclusion: The prevalence of placental abruption in TTTS after fetoscopic laser surgery is low, although it appears higher than in the overall population. Placental abruption is associated with a lower gestational age at birth, which is associated with severe cerebral injury. The rate of placental abruption was not significantly increased with the use of the Solomon technique. Continued research of placental abruption in TTTS is necessary to determine why the rate is higher than in the overall population. Show less
With the studies described in this thesis, we were able to investigate cardiovascular compromise in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancy in great detail.All clinicians caring for monochorionic... Show moreWith the studies described in this thesis, we were able to investigate cardiovascular compromise in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancy in great detail.All clinicians caring for monochorionic twins should perform an echocardiogram at mid‑gestation and should carefully examine both neonates at birth. In case of abnormal perioperative fetal Dopplers in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), we should be aware of the increased risk of fetal demise or neurodevelopmental impairment. In all surviving TTTS twins, but also in twin pregnancies with selective fetal growth restriction, cardiac abnormalities should be ruled out by follow-up fetal and neonatal echocardiography. Routine long‑term follow-up should be available to all TTTS twins, since TTTS may also have an impact beyond the perinatal phase.Furthermore, both color‑coded Tissue Doppler Imaging (cTDI) and myocardial performance index (MPI) are potentially valuable techniques which can be used in the risk stratification in monochorionic twins. Show less
Twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is a chronic form of unbalanced feto-fetal transfusion through minuscule placental anastomoses in monochorionic twin pregnancies, leading to anemia in the... Show moreTwin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is a chronic form of unbalanced feto-fetal transfusion through minuscule placental anastomoses in monochorionic twin pregnancies, leading to anemia in the donor twin and polycythemia in the recipient twin. TAPS can occur spontaneously in up to 5% of monochorionic twins or can arise in 2%-16% of cases after incomplete laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome. TAPS can develop across the entire second and third trimester. Antenatal diagnosis for TAPS is reached via Doppler measurement of the fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity, showing an increased velocity in the donor, combined with a decreased velocity in the recipient. Treatment options for TAPS include expectant management, preterm delivery, intrauterine blood transfusion with or without a partial exchange transfusion, fetoscopic laser surgery and selective feticide. The best treatment option is unclear and is currently being investigated in an international multicenter randomized trial (the TAPS trial). Spontaneous fetal demise occurs in 5%-11% of TAPS twins, more often in donors (8%-18%) than in recipients (2%-5%). Severe long-term neurodevelopmental impairment is seen in 9% of TAPS twins, with donors having an increased risk for cognitive impairment and hearing problems (15%). Show less
This thesis deals with various aspects of twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS). TAPS is a condition that can develop due to unbalanced feto-fetal blood transfusion through minuscule vascular... Show moreThis thesis deals with various aspects of twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS). TAPS is a condition that can develop due to unbalanced feto-fetal blood transfusion through minuscule vascular placental anastomoses in monochorionic twin pregnancies, causing the donor twin to become anemic and the recipient twin to become polycythemic. In this thesis we show that a difference in middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) > 0.5 Multiples of the Median (MoM) has a high diagnostic accuracy for the the antenatal diagnosis of TAPS. For postnatal diagnosis of the condition, inspection of the color of the maternal side of the placenta can be of great value. Furthermore, we present the results of a large international registry, and report on outcomes after different treatment options for TAPS. As the best treatment for TAPS is unclear, we propose the protocol of The TAPS Trial (a multicenter open-label international RCT) to investigate the potential beneficial effect of fetoscopic laser surgery for the outcome in TAPS twins . In the last chapters of this thesis we discuss short- and long-term outcome and show that TAPS donors show significantly higher rates of perinatal mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment than their recipient co-twins. Show less
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in leukocyte counts at birth between donors and recipients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) or twin anemia-polycythemia... Show moreObjective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in leukocyte counts at birth between donors and recipients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) or twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study in monochorionic twin pairs with TTTS or TAPS. TTTS and TAPS cases treated with fetoscopic laser surgery were excluded. Primary outcome was the difference in leukocyte levels at birth between donor and recipient twins and the presence of leukopenia (defined as leukocyte count <4 x 10(9)/L). Secondary outcomes included early-onset sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, use of antibiotics during admission, and neonatal mortality. Results: We included 99 twins pairs, of which 61 twin pairs were affected by TAPS and 38 twin pairs by TTTS. The mean leukocyte count at birth in donors and recipients was 7.5 x 10(9)/L versus 7.4 x 10(9)/L (p = 0.936), respectively. Leukopenia was significantly more common in donor twins compared to recipient twins (7.1% [7/99] vs. 0% [0/99], p = 0.016). Of the 7 donors with leukopenia, 6 were affected by TAPS and 1 by TTTS. Overall, donors were more often affected by early-onset sepsis than recipients, 23.7% (23/97) versus 13% (13.7/95) (p = 0.049), respectively. Conclusions: Leukocyte counts at birth in twins with TTTS or TAPS are similar between donors and recipients, but TAPS donors are at an increased risk of leukopenia. Overall, TTTS and TAPS donors seem to be at an increased risk of early-onset neonatal sepsis compared to recipient twins. Show less
We report a case of a monochorionic diamniotic twin diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS; stage 3) with co-existing severe cerebral damage in the donor twin at 18 + 4 weeks'... Show moreWe report a case of a monochorionic diamniotic twin diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS; stage 3) with co-existing severe cerebral damage in the donor twin at 18 + 4 weeks' gestation. After counselling, the parents opted for selective foeticide of the donor twin. For the procedure, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was used. Serial ultrasound examinations at 20 + 1 and 21 + 1 weeks' gestation showed good recovery of the ex-recipient, after which the patient was sent back to the referring hospital. At 29 + 5 weeks' gestation, an unexpected foetal death was diagnosed. On macroscopic placental examination, (iatrogenic) monoamnionicity was detected. In addition, the umbilical cord of the recipient was found to be constricted by the macerated umbilical cord of the ex-donor. This case demonstrates that iatrogenic monoamnionicity can be a serious complication of RFA in monochorionic twins complicated by TTTS, with a subsequent risk for cord entanglement leading to a fatal outcome for the remaining co-twin. Although the actual incidence of iatrogenic monoamnionicity after RFA remains unknown, increased attention to the intactness of the inter-twin membrane even weeks after the RFA may be required. Show less
This thesis consists of a series of studies on technical and procedural aspects of laser surgery for the treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a causal treatment modality first... Show moreThis thesis consists of a series of studies on technical and procedural aspects of laser surgery for the treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a causal treatment modality first described by De Lia et al. in 1990. TTTS is caused by unbalanced blood flow across placental vascular communications between both twins called anastomoses. The aim of the treatment is to close of all anastomoses in order to separate both fetal circulations. In part one, we give a general introduction to the subject and its challenges. Part two consists of studies evaluating current practice with the aim to identify potential areas of improvement. Part three deals with several techniques, the impact of laser energy and placental damage and, it introduces a model to investigate different technical parameters of the laser procedure. Finally, in part four, we discuss the development of a standardized training model for fetoscopic laser surgery. Show less
Monochorionic twins are at increased risk of complications compared to dichorionic twins due to differences in placentas. Nearly all monochorionic twins have placental anastomoses connecting... Show moreMonochorionic twins are at increased risk of complications compared to dichorionic twins due to differences in placentas. Nearly all monochorionic twins have placental anastomoses connecting the blood circulation of both twins, whereas dichorionic twins have always two separate placentas without vascular connections. Vascular anastomoses lead to inter-twin blood transfusion, which is ‘balanced’ in uncomplicated monochorionic twins. In twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) inter-twin blood transfusion is unbalanced, resulting in high mortality rates if left untreated. However, improved antenatal management has led to an increase in perinatal survival. Attention is now shifting towards postnatal complications in survivors. In this thesis hematological and biochemical complications in twins affected by TTTS or TAPS are evaluated, including albumin levels and short-term postnatal renal function and hemoglobin levels in uncomplicated monochorionic twins and dichorionic twins. Show less
