Fetoscopic laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

Abstract

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) complicates approximately 1 in 5 of all monochorionic, diamniotic twin pregnancies. If of early onset and untreated, severe TTTS is associated with a dismal prognosis, with perinatal mortality rates exceeding 90%. The most controversial issue regarding the optimal treatment of TTTS has centered on the use of amniocentesis or laser until the first and only randomized trial on interventions for TTTS was published a couple of years ago, comparing laser to amnioreduction. That report confirmed that the laser group had a higher likelihood of the survival of at least one twin to 28 days of age and to 6 months of age. Infants in the laser group also had a lower incidence of cystic periventricular leukomalacia and were more likely to be free of neurologic complications at 6 months of age (52% vs. 31%, p = 0.003). Although not every case of TTTS is an eligible candidate for fetoscopic-guided laser therapy, it is recommended that obstetricians who have the chance to manage TTTS in their daily practice be familiar with the rationale behind this laser treatment for TTTS.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)294-301
JournalTaiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Volume45
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

Keywords

  • Arteriovenous Anastomosis/surgery
  • Female
  • Fetofetal Transfusion/diagnosis
  • Fetofetal Transfusion/surgery
  • Fetoscopy/history
  • Fetoscopy/methods
  • Fetus/surgery
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Laser Coagulation
  • Pregnancy
  • Twins

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