The Management of Acardiac Twinning: Twin Reverse Arterial Perfusion Sequence – An International Survey

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The optimal approach and therapy method for the acardiac twin with a reverse arterial perfusion sequence has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical practice patterns among international fetal therapy units in their management of these cases. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A survey was sent to fetal centers across the world via email between December 2020 and December 2021. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Responses were obtained from 77% contacted centers. The most frequent ultrasound variables used in the evaluation of twin reverse arterial perfusion sequence include echocardiographic assessment of the pump twin and umbilical artery Doppler waveforms in the acardiac and pump twins, in 90% and 80% of the centers, respectively. Most centers in Europe and Latin America propose an in utero intervention in all cases. Most centers in Europe and Latin America prefer interstitial laser ablation, whereas radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is preferred in North America. The earliest gestational age for an intervention is on mean 13 weeks in Europe, which is earlier than the other geographic areas (<i>p</i> = 0.001). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Most centers agreed that antenatal evaluation should include echocardiography along with the UA Doppler waveform measurements, and the most frequently used interventions were interstitial laser ablation or RFA at a median between 14 and 26 weeks.