Predictors of fetal death, neonatal survival and neurological outcomes in severe twin‐twin transfusion syndrome treated by laser ablation of placental vessels

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesTo identify predictors of outcomes in severe twin oligo‐polyhydramnios sequence (TOPS) with or without twin anemia‐polycythemia sequence (TAPS) and/or selective fetal growth restriction (SFGR) treated by laser ablation of placental vessels (LAPV).MethodsAnalysis of cases treated from 2011 to 2022. Variables evaluated Prenatal predictors: stages of TOPS, presence of TAPS and/or SFGR; pre‐LAPV fetal ultrasound parameters; peri‐LAPV variables. Perinatal predictors: GA at birth; birthweight; Apgar scores; transfontanellar ultrasonography (TFUS). Outcome variables: fetal death, neonatal survival, infant's neurodevelopment. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to detect predictors of outcomes.Results265 cases were included. Predictors of post‐LAPV donor fetus' death were delta EFW (p:0.045) and absent/reverse end‐diastolic flow in the umbilical artery (AREDF‐UA) (p < 0.001). The predictor of post‐LAPV recipient fetus' death was hydrops (p:0.009). Predictors of neonatal survival were GA at birth and Apgar scores. Predictors of infant's neurodevelopment were TFUS and pre‐LAPV middle cerebral artery Doppler (MCAD) for the donor twin; and pre‐LAPV ductus venosus' flow and MCAD for the recipient twin.ConclusionsPrediction of fetal death, neonatal survival and infant's neurodevelopment is possible in cases of TOPS associated or not with SFGR and/or TAPS that were treated by LAPV.