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Intraoperative blood transfer between twins during laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome can vary by surgical technique and has been proposed to explain differences in donor twin survival. This trial compared donor twin survival with 2 laser techniques: the sequential technique, in which the arteriovenous communications from the volume-depleted donor to the volume-overloaded recipient are laser-occluded before those from recipient to donor, and the selective technique, in which the occlusion of the vascular communications is performed in no particular order. A single-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted in which twin-twin transfusion syndrome patients were randomized to sequential vs selective laser surgery. Nested within the trial, a second trial randomized patients with superficial anastomoses (arterioarterial and venovenous) to ablation of these connections first (before ablating the arteriovenous anastomoses) vs last. The primary outcome measure was donor twin survival at birth. A total of 642 patients were randomized. Overall donor twin survival was similar between the 2 groups (274 of 320 [85.6%] vs 271 of 322 [84.2%]; odds ratio, 1.12 [95% confidence interval, 0.73–1.73]; P =.605). Superficial anastomoses occurred in 177 of 642 cases (27.6%). Donor survival was lower in the superficial anastomosis group vs those with only arteriovenous communications (125 of 177 [70.6%] vs 420 of 465 [90.3%]; adjusted odds ratio, 0.33 [95% confidence interval, 0.20–0.54]; P <.001). In cases with superficial anastomoses, donor survival was independent of the timing of ablation or surgical technique. The postoperative mean middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity was lower in the sequential vs selective group (1.00±0.30 vs 1.06±0.30 multiples of the median; P =.003). Post hoc analyses showed 2 factors that were associated with poor overall donor twin survival: the presence or absence of donor twin preoperative critical abnormal Doppler parameters and the presence or absence of arterioarterial anastomoses. Depending on these factors, 4 categories of patients resulted: (1) Category 1 (347 of 642 [54%]), no donor twin critical abnormal Doppler + no arterioarterial anastomoses: donor twin survival was 91.2% in the sequential and 93.8% in the selective groups; (2) Category 2 (143 of 642 [22%]), critical abnormal Doppler present + no arterioarterial anastomoses: donor survival was 89.9% vs 75.7%; (3) Category 3 (73 of 642 [11%]), no critical abnormal Doppler + arterioarterial anastomoses present: donor survival was 94.7% vs 74.3%; and (4) Category 4 (79 of 642 [12%]), critical abnormal Doppler present + arterioarterial anastomoses present: donor survival was 47.6% vs 64.9%. Donor twin survival did not differ between the sequential vs selective laser techniques and did not differ if superficial anastomoses were ablated first vs last. The donor twin's postoperative middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity was improved with the sequential vs the selective approach. Post hoc analyses suggest that donor twin survival may be associated with the choice of laser technique according to high-risk factors. Further study is needed to determine whether using these categories to guide the choice of surgical technique will improve outcomes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal surgical management of monochorionic diamniotic twins complicated by selective intrauterine growth restriction (SIUGR) type II is unknown. Surgical management may involve selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV), which offers the possibility of dual twin survivors versus umbilical cord occlusion (UCO) of the SIUGR twin. To identify patient characteristics associated with SIUGR twin survival for those undergoing SLPCV. All patients studied were those who underwent fetal treatment for SIUGR type II at our center from 2006–2018. SIUGR type II was defined as an estimated fetal weight <10th percentile with persistent absent and/or reversed end diastolic flow in the umbilical artery of the SIUGR twin, in the absence of twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Patients were offered SLPCV versus UCO, and those undergoing SLPCV, patient characteristics associated with 30-day survival of the SIUGR twin were examined using bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression models. Fifty-four consecutive SIUGR type II patients were treated, 45 via SLPCV and nine via UCO. Of the 45 SLPCV cases, there were 16 (35.6%) with SIUGR twin (and dual) survival. SIUGR twin survival appeared associated with middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity (psv) <1.5 multiples of the median, and forward atrial systolic flow in the ductus venosus (DV). In a post hoc analysis, we subsequently categorized patients as: SIUGR type IIa (N = 32 (71.1%)): normal MCA psv, and normal DV waveform, versus SIUGR type IIb (N = 13 (28.9%)): MCA psv ≥1.5 multiples of the median, and/or DV with absent or reversed atrial systolic flow. Thirty-day survival of the SIUGR twin was 50% for type IIa and 0% for type IIb. Over one-third of SIUGR type II patients experienced dual survival after treatment with laser surgery. Normal MCA psv and normal DV waveforms were associated with SIUGR type II survival of the SIUGR twin. Post hoc exploration and subclassification of SIUGR type II patients by preoperative Doppler indices created two groups, one (type IIa) with 50% survival and one (type IIb) with 0% survival of the SIUGR twin after laser surgery. Upon further confirmation, these findings may provide guidance for counseling patients and conducting fetal therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To examine the association of preoperative absent end-diastolic velocity (AEDV) and percent AEDV (%AEDV) in the umbilical artery (UA) with donor twin intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).Methods: We performed a retrospective study of stage III/IV TTTS patients who underwent laser surgery from 2006 to 2016. Donors were classified as having preoperative persistent AEDV (yes/no). %AEDV was calculated for those with AEDV as 100× the proportion of the total cardiac cycle in AEDV. Using multiple logistic regression, we tested for an association between the outcome donor IUFD and AEDV risk factors (part 1) and %AEDV (part 2). We stratified these analyses by estimated fetal weight (EFW) discordance ≥20 versus <20%.Results: Of 344 cases, 153 (44.5%) donors had AEDV. Part 1 did not confirm an independent association between AEDV and donor IUFD. In the part 2 analysis of the 153 patients with AEDV, %AEDV was a positive risk factor for donor IUFD only in those with discordance (n = 129) (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08, p = 0.0278) when adjusting for %EFW discordance, presence of arterioarterial anastomoses, and multiparity.Discussion: Among stage III/IV TTTS patients with AEDV, %AEDV was a risk factor for donor IUFD only in the presence of EFW discordance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the antenatal course of selective intrauterine growth restriction (SIUGR) type III patients.Study Design: Retrospective study of monochorionic diamniotic twins with SIUGR type III. Patients were divided into those who did and did not progress to SIUGR type II or twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) (Groups A and B, respectively). Patient characteristics and perinatal survival were compared by Group, and continuous data are reported as median (range).Results: Forty-eight patients were studied; Group A [26 (54.2%)] and Group B [22 (45.8%)]. The difference in 30-day survivorship for the appropriate for gestational age twin (88.5 vs. 100%, p = .2394) and for the SIUGR twin (73.1 vs. 95.5%, p = .0551) was not statistically significant. However, dual survivorship was lower in Group A compared to Group B (69.2 vs. 95.4%, p = .0276).Conclusions: Approximately half of the SIUGR type III patients had antenatal progression. Lack of antenatal progression was associated with 95% dual survivorship.Rationale: The antenatal course of monochorionic diamniotic twins complicated by SIUGR type III is not well-understood and antenatal management remains a clinical dilemma. We provide pregnancy outcomes in a referred group of SIUGR type III patients, including the rate of progression to SIUGR type II and TTTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Management options for treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with severe donor intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) include fetoscopic laser surgery and umbilical cord occlusion (UCO). We studied perinatal survival outcomes in this select group after laser surgery, stratifying patients by preoperative estimated fetal weight (EFW) discordance.Methods: In this retrospective study of monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations with TTTS and selective donor IUGR who underwent laser surgery (2006-2017), preoperative EFW discordance was calculated ([(larger twin - smaller twin)/(larger twin)] × 100) and cases were divided into discordance strata. Severe EFW discordance was defined as >35%. The primary outcome was 30-day donor twin neonatal survival.Results: The 371 cases were distributed by discordance strata: ≤20% (74 [19.9%]), 21-25% (49 [13.2%]), 26-30% (68 [18.3%]), 31-35% (53 [14.3%]), 36-40% (51 [13.7%]), 41-45% (38 [10.2%]), >45% (38 [10.2%]). Donor 30-day survival declined as the discordance strata increased: 86.5, 85.7, 83.8, 75.5, 64.7, 63.2, and 65.8% (p = 0.0046); 30-day survival was inversely associated with severe discordance (>35%) (64.6 vs. 83.2%, p < 0.0001).Discussion: In TTTS cases complicated by donor IUGR with severe growth discordance, laser surgery was associated with donor survivorship greater than 60% suggesting that, in this setting, laser surgery remains a reasonable alternative treatment to UCO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Incidental septostomy, or inadvertent perforation of the twins' dividing membranes, can create a functional monoamniotic twin pregnancy. Our aim was to describe the perinatal outcomes and antenatal management of patients with incidental septostomy after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).Materials and Methods: Monochorionic diamniotic multiple gestations with a gestational age (GA) between 16 and 26 weeks that underwent laser surgery from March 2006 to December 2015 were studied retrospectively. Perinatal outcomes were compared for patients with and without an incidental septostomy. A subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate antenatal management.Results: Of 532 TTTS patients who underwent laser surgery, incidental septostomy occurred in 34 (6.4%). Compared to all others, patients with a septostomy had an earlier median (range) GA at delivery (30.8 [18.6-37.9] vs. 34.0 [19.3-40.4] weeks, p < 0.0001) and lower 30-day survival of at least one twin (85.3 vs. 94.6%, p = 0.0452). We found no evidence that inpatient fetal surveillance was protective.Discussion: Incidental septostomy in TTTS patients treated via laser surgery appeared to be associated with lower GA at delivery and perinatal survival of at least one twin. Further study is required to determine the optimal antenatal surveillance strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vasa previa is an obstetrical condition in which fetal vessels located near the cervix traverse the fetal membranes unprotected by underlying placenta. Type I vasa previa arises directly from a velamentous cord root, whereas types II and III arise from an accessory lobe or a distal lobe of the same placenta, respectively. Fetoscopic laser ablation for types II and III vasa previa is a novel therapeutic option with benefits that include surgical resolution of the vasa previa, avoidance of prolonged hospitalization, and opportunity for a term vaginal delivery. The potential risks of fetoscopy can be mitigated by delaying laser surgery until a gestational age of 31 to 33 weeks, immediately before anticipated hospitalized surveillance. This study aimed to assess feasibility and outcomes of types II and III vasa previa patients treated via fetoscopic laser ablation in the third trimester. This is a retrospective study of singleton pregnancies with types II and III vasa previa treated with fetoscopic laser ablation at a gestational age ≥31 weeks at a single center between 2006 and 2022. Pregnancy and newborn outcomes were assessed. Continuous variables are expressed as mean±standard deviation. Of 84 patients referred for vasa previa, 57 did not undergo laser ablation: 19 either had no or resolved vasa previa, 25 had type I vasa previa (laser-contraindicated), and 13 had type II or III vasa previa but declined laser treatment. Of the remaining 27 patients who underwent laser ablation, 7 were excluded (laser performed at <31 weeks and/or twins), leaving 20 study patients. The mean gestational age at fetoscopic laser ablation was 32.0±0.6 weeks, and total operative time was 62.1±19.6 minutes. There were no perioperative complications. All patients had successful occlusion of the vasa previa vessels (1 required a second procedure). All patients were subsequently managed as outpatients. The mean gestational age at delivery was 37.2±1.8 weeks, the mean birthweight was 2795±465 g, and 70% delivered vaginally. Neonatal intensive care unit admission occurred in 3 cases: 1 for respiratory distress syndrome and 2 for hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy. There were no cases of neonatal transfusion, intraventricular hemorrhage, sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus, or death. Laser ablation for types II and III vasa previa at 31 to 33 gestational weeks was technically achievable and resulted in favorable outcomes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this study was to assess whether the location of the trocar insertion site for laser treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome was associated with preterm-premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and preterm birth (PTB). Study Design In this study trocar location was documented in the operating room. Lower uterine segment (LUS) location was defined as any insertion <10 cm vertically from the pubic symphysis. Lateral location was defined as ≥5 cm horizontally from the midline. Patient characteristics were tested against three outcomes: PPROM ≤ 21 days postoperative, PTB < 28 weeks, and PTB < 32 weeks. For each outcome, multiple logistic models were fitted to examine the effect of trocar location, controlling for potential risk factors. Results A total of 743 patients were studied. Patients with LUS location were twice as likely as those with a more superior location to have PPROM ≤ 21 days (OR = 2.33, 1.12-4.83, p = 0.0236). Patients with both a LUS and Lateral location were over six times more likely to have PPROM ≤ 21 days (OR = 6.66, 2.36-18.78, p = 0.0003). Trocar insertion site was not associated with PTB. Conclusion We found that trocar insertion in the LUS, particularly the lateral LUS, was associated with an increased risk of PPROM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to describe the management and perinatal outcomes of patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and an extremely short cervical length (CL). This retrospective study examined 17 patients with TTTS and a preoperative CL ≤1.0 cm who had undergone laser surgery and perioperative cervical cerclage placement successfully. In this subset of patients, the median interval between surgery and delivery was 9.6 (range 2.1-13.9) weeks and only one patient had PPROM within 3 weeks of surgery. The median gestational age at delivery was 30.9 (range 23.1-37.6) weeks, 30-day survival of at-least-one twin was 88.2% and dual survivorship was 82.4%. Overall, patients with TTTS and a preoperative CL ≤1.0 cm who were able to undergo successful laser surgery and emergent cerclage placement had favourable outcomes. Impact statement The management of patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and extremely short cervical length (CL) varies between foetal surgery centres. This study demonstrates that laser surgery and cerclage placement in such patients are not only technically feasible, but also can result in favourable perinatal outcomes. Patients with an extremely short CL should not be uniformly excluded from laser surgery for TTTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate risk for congenital heart disease (CHD) in recipient twins with circular shunt physiology (CSP). Methods This prospective study enrolled twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) cases from 2006 to 2015. Fetal echocardiography (FE) was performed before laser surgery when cardiac involvement was suspected. Diagnosis of recipient twin CSP required tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation, right ventricular dysfunction, and flow reversal in the ductus arteriosus. Outcomes were assessed at 30 days after birth. Results Of the 496 TTTS pregnancies, 20 (4%) met the criteria for CSP. Among those born alive, who had documented cardiac outcomes (n = 457), patients with CSP were more likely to have CHD, specifically right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (5 of 18 [27.8%] versus 22 of 439 [5.0%], odd ratio [OR] 7.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.05-24.72, P = .0025). Of the recipient twins with preoperative FE (n = 259, 52%) who were born alive and had documented cardiac outcomes (n = 242), those with CSP were still more likely to have right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (5 of 18 [27.8%] versus 14 of 224 [6.3%], OR 5.77, CI 1.54-20.92, P = .0077). With both analyses, twins with CSP had higher Quintero stage, but similar patient characteristics and 30-day mortality compared with those without CSP. Subgroup analyses of the CSP cohort identified no differences in preoperative characteristics or FE findings predictive of CHD. Conclusions Recipient twins with preoperative CSP were at increased risk for postnatal right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, but appeared to have comparable survival after fetal laser surgery despite these dramatic pathophysiological prenatal findings. Preoperative FE in TTTS remains important for prediction of postnatal CHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We examined placental weight characteristics associated with donor selective intrauterine growth restriction (SIUGR) among patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) who underwent laser surgery.Materials and Methods: Fresh placental specimens were studied. Pregnancies with higher-order multiples, fetal demise, or disrupted or nonsubmitted placental specimens were excluded. Placental characteristics prospectively collected included total placental weight, individual placental weight, and placental share. Data were compared between pregnancies with SIUGR (TTTS + SIUGR group) and those without SIUGR (TTTS-only group).Results: Of 369 consecutive patients who underwent laser surgery for TTTS, 155 (42%) met inclusion criteria: 91 with TTTS + SIUGR and 64 with TTTS-only. Compared to the TTTS-only group, patients in the TTTS + SIUGR group had a lower total placental weight (608 ± 163 vs. 687 ± 224 g, p = 0.012), with a lower donor individual placental weight (237 ± 91 vs. 291 ± 124 g, p = 0.002), but no apparent difference in the individual placental weight of recipient twins (371 ± 109 vs. 396 ± 133 g, p = 0.211). Donor placental share was smaller in those pregnancies affected by SIUGR (38.7 ± 9.6 vs. 42.3 ± 9.8%, p = 0.029).Discussion: TTTS patients with SIUGR had a lower total placental weight and a lower donor individual placental weight compared to those without SIUGR. These findings suggest that differences in donor individual placental weights for SIUGR gestations may not solely be related to differences in placental share. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the impact of selective intrauterine growth restriction (SIUGR) on monochorionic multiples treated with selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCVs) for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Methods: Perinatal survival was compared among TTTS patients with and without SIUGR. The TTTS + SIUGR group was defined as TTTS patients with donor twin weight <10th percentile. Multivariable logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with 30-day survival. Results: Of 369 patients, 65% (N = 241) had TTTS + SIUGR. Thirty-day donor twin survival for the TTTS-only group was 84% versus 75% in the TTTS + SIUGR group (p = 0.0348). Stage III donor involved (stage III donor, donor/recipient) TTTS + SIUGR patients (N = 110) had 66% 30-day donor survival. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that the TTTS-only group was twice as likely to achieve donor survival compared to the TTTS + SIUGR group (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.11–3.66,p = 0.0214). In the TTTS + SIUGR group, patients not classified as stage III donor-involved were twice as likely to achieve donor survival as stage III donor-involved patients (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.10–3.71,p = 0.0226). Conclusions: SIUGR, present in two-thirds of TTTS patients, was a risk factor for decreased donor survival. Patients with donor SIUGR and umbilical artery persistent or reversed end-diastolic flow (Quintero Stage III Donor-involved) were especially at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) are classified as distinct clinical disorders associated with unbalanced blood flow through placental vascular communications. Typically, TAPS placentas demonstrate few <1 mm arteriovenous (AV) communications, and at fetoscopy the twins are visibly pale and plethoric. Materials and Methods: In a cohort of TTTS patients who underwent laser surgery, those with preoperative findings suggestive of anemia/polycythemia (AP) were compared to those with TTTS alone. AP was defined as middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity in one twin >1.5 multiples of the median (MoM), and <1.0 MoM in the other. Results: Of 369 TTTS patients, 9 (2.4%) met criteria for preoperative AP. The mean number (±SD) of AV communications in the TTTS + AP group was 5.6 ± 5.7, compared with 8.8 ± 4.8 in the TTTS-alone group (p = 0.013). Five TTTS + AP patients (56%) had a few thin AV communications (mean 2.8 ± 1.6); all 5 had visibly pale and plethoric twins. The remaining 4 (44%) had large or numerous anastomoses (mean 10.5 ± 6.8); none had fetal skin color discordance. Discussion: Preoperative AP affected 2% of TTTS patients. Of these, approximately half had placental and skin color findings typically reported with isolated TAPS. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To describe our experience with preferential use of sequential selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SQLPCV) in women with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Methods. Women with TTTS received treatment using the SQLPCV technique whenever possible. SQLPCV mandates ablation of all donor-to-recipient arteriovenous communications first, in comparison to the standard non-sequential selective technique. Results. Of 99 consecutive women treated, 64 received SQLPCV. Overall survival of one or both twins was 91% and dual survival was 72%. Higher dual survival rates (80 vs. 57%, p = 0.0317) and donor survival rates (83 vs. 63%, p = 0.0489) were noted in the SQLPCV group. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that the SQLPCV technique was highly associated with dual survivorship (OR = 4.64 [1.57–13.74], p = 0.0056), when controlling for gestational age at surgery, duration of laser treatment and number of anastomoses lasered. Neither Quintero stage, placental location, preoperative discordance prior to surgery, nor preoperative cervical length contributed to this equation. The SQLPCV technique was also associated with donor survivorship (OR = 4.43 [1.44–13.67], p = 0.0095), when controlling for the same covariates. Conclusion. Treatment of TTTS via SQLPCV technique was associated with higher dual survival and donor twin survival rates as compared to standard SLPCV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Controversy exists regarding the threshold of recipient twin polyhydramnios required to diagnose twin-twin transfusion syndrome at a gestational age of ≥20 weeks. One criterion set (Quintero staging) requires the amniotic fluid maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin to measure ≥8 cm, whereas another (European) system uses a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin of ≥10 cm.Objective: This study aimed to characterize the patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome who were treated with laser surgery and would be excluded from laser surgery according to the European criteria.Study Design: A total of 366 monochorionic diamniotic twins diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion syndrome from 20 to 26 weeks' gestation who underwent laser surgery at our center were studied. A maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin of ≥8 cm was used to diagnose twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Patients were retrospectively divided into the following 2 groups: group A with a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin of ≥8 cm and <10 cm and group B with a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin of ≥10 cm. The association of each of the groups with the survivorship outcomes was tested. Bivariate associations between the patient characteristics and the 30-day donor twin and dual survivorship outcomes were evaluated. Tests used in the analysis were chi-square or Fisher exact tests as appropriate for categorical variables and Kruskal-Wallis tests for continuous variables. Multiple logistic regression models for each of the survivorship outcomes were then assessed. The results are reported as mean±standard deviation.Results: Of the 366 studied patients, 53 (14.5%) had a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin of ≥8 and <10 cm (group A) and 313 (85.5%) had a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient twin of ≥10 cm (group B). Groups A and B did not differ in the Quintero stage. Notably, 60.4% (32 of 53) of group A patients were stage III or IV. When compared with group B, group A was diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion syndrome at an earlier gestational age (21.7±1.6 vs 22.3±1.6 weeks; P=.0037) and had a higher prevalence of donor growth restriction (81.1% [43 of 53] vs 65.5% [205 of 313]; P=.0260). Rates of at least 1 twin and dual twin survival between group A and B were similar (98.1% [52 of 53] vs 95.8% [300 of 313]; P=.7023, and 79.2% [42 of 53] vs 83.4% [261 of 313]; P=.4369, respectively). Logistic regression models adjusted for perioperative characteristics showed no difference in the outcomes between the groups (group B as reference) (donor twin survival odds ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-1.42; P=.2753; and dual survivor odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-1.91; P=.7757).Conclusion: Restriction of the definition of twin-twin transfusion syndrome to a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient of ≥10 cm beyond 20 weeks gestational age would potentially exclude 14.5% of patients from laser surgery, the majority of whom had advanced stage twin-twin transfusion syndrome. A unifying criterion of a maximum vertical pocket for the recipient of ≥8 cm regardless of gestational age would allow inclusion of these patients and access to surgical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify perioperative risk factors for preterm delivery (PTD) in laser-treated patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Study Design: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome patients who underwent laser surgery were followed prospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify gestational and surgical characteristics associated with preterm delivery. Results: Of 318 eligible patients, the mean (SD) gestational age of delivery was 32.8 (4.2) weeks. The number of days from laser surgery to delivery had a bimodal distribution; group I delivered within 21 days and group II delivered after 21 days of surgery. Eighteen patients (5.7%) were in group I and demonstrated the following risk factors for delivery within 21 days: incomplete laser surgery suspected (odds ratio [OR], 11.14; P = .0106), preoperative subchorionic hematoma (OR, 7.92, P = .0361), preoperative cervical length <2.0 cm (OR, 4.71; P = .0117), and recipient's maximum vertical pocket ≥14 cm (OR, 3.23; P = .0335). In group II, 92 of 300 patients (30.7%) delivered <32 weeks, and 25 (8.3%) delivered <28 weeks; multivariate logistic regression analyses identified 5 risk factors for delivery <32 weeks: incomplete laser surgery suspected (OR, 10.0; P = .0506); incidental septostomy (OR, 4.4; P = .0009); triplet gestation (OR, 2.6; P = .0689); postoperative membrane detachment (OR, 2.4; P = .0393); and nonposterior placental location (OR, 1.8; P = .0282). Conclusion: Timing of delivery after laser for twin-twin transfusion syndrome has a bimodal distribution with distinct gestational and surgical risk factors. This information may be useful in counseling patients and in directing future avenues of research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: We sought to describe stage-specific perinatal outcomes after selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV) for twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Study design: Patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome underwent SLPCV preferentially using sequential vs standard laser technique. Patient characteristics and outcome data were examined by Quintero stage. Results: Of 682 consecutive women studied, the Quintero stage distribution was: 114 stage I (17%), 177 stage II (26%), 328 stage III (48%), and 63 stage IV (9%). Perinatal survival of at least 1 twin did not differ according to stage (I-92%, II-93%, III-88%, IV-92%; P = .30). However, dual twin survival differed by stage (I-79%, II-76%, III-59%, IV-68%; P < .01), primarily because stage III pregnancies were associated with decreased donor twin survival (P < .01). Sequential SLPCV was associated with improved donor survival, independent of stage (odds ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–2.40; P < .01). Conclusion: Stage-specific perinatal outcomes after laser therapy may assist physicians in patient counseling and in planning future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]