Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Is there still Room for Improvement?

Abstract

Despite many developments in its management, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) remains an important risk factor for long-term neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). Our objective was to compare the incidence of severe NDI in a recent cohort of TTTS survivors, treated with laser surgery from 2011 to 2014, with a previous cohort treated from 2008 to 2010. Neurological, cognitive, and motor development were assessed at two years of age. We determined risk factors associated with Bayley-III scores. Severe NDI occurred in 7/241 (3%) survivors in the new cohort compared to 10/169 (6%) in the previous cohort (p = 0.189). Disease-free survival (survival without severe impairment) did not significantly differ. Low birth weight and being small for gestational age (SGA) were independently associated with lower cognitive scores (both p < 0.01). Severe cerebral injury was related to decreased motor scores (B = −14.10; 95% CI −3.16, −25.04; p = 0.012). Children with severe NDI were born ≥32 weeks’ gestation in 53% of cases and had no evidence of cerebral injury on cranial ultrasound in 59% of cases. Our results suggest that improvement in outcome of TTTS has reached a plateau. Low birth weight, SGA, and cerebral injury are risk factors for poor neurodevelopmental outcome. Neither gestational age above 32 weeks nor the absence of cerebral injury preclude severe NDI.