Treatment of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1993

Institution/Department

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Journal Title

Obstetrics and Gynecology

MeSH Headings

Adult; Amniocentesis; Female; Fetofetal Transfusion (mortality, therapy); Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases (epidemiology); Oligohydramnios; Polyhydramnios; Pregnancy; Survival Rate

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether therapeutic amniocentesis may improve outcomes in patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome. METHODS: Thirteen patients with possible twin-twin transfusion syndrome were evaluated for treatment. Therapeutic amniocenteses were performed on nine, and four patients were managed conservatively depending on the clinical severity of the twin-twin transfusion syndrome. RESULTS: Therapeutic amniocenteses resolved the syndrome in three of nine cases, with an overall neonatal survival rate of 83.3% (15 of 18) and neonatal morbidity of 53.3% (eight of 15) among the survivors. The survival rate in patients with expectant management was 75% (six of eight), with a neonatal morbidity of 33.3% (two of six). An association between amniotic fluid status and fetal outcomes was observed. Patients with normalization of polyhydramniosoligohydramnios had the best outcomes. CONCLUSION: Early, aggressive amniocentesis may be an effective therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Therapeutic amniocentesis may have the capability to alter inter-fetal blood flow, possibly as a result of changes in intravascular pressure, which are related to changes in intra-amniotic pressure.

ISSN

0029-7844

First Page

841

Last Page

6

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