Changes in the recipient fetal Tei index in the peri-operative period after laser photocoagulation of placental anastomoses for twin-twin transfusion syndrome

To assess serial changes in the Tei index of the recipient fetus secondary to fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of placental anastomoses (FLP) for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) during the peri-operative period.A prospective study of cases that underwent FLP at the Texas Children's Fetal Center was performed. Mean and individual changes in the Tei index measurements were obtained during the pre-operative, intra-operative and the post-operative (12-h and 24-h) periods after surgery and were compared using paired t-test. A p-value of0.05 was considered as significant.A total of 20 patients were included in the study. In both the right and the left side, the mean Tei indices appeared to be increased from baseline during the intra-operative period, with a subsequent decrease to pre-operative values within 24 h of laser surgery. These changes were also noted when individualized patient results were analyzed in a serial fashion.FLP results in a transient increase in the intra-operative myocardial performance index in the recipient fetus. These changes appear to resolve in the post-operative period.