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The twin-twin transfusion syndrome - an unsolved problem
Wibke Blaicher1, Barbara Ulm, M Ulm
1Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Division of Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy, Vienna, Austria.
Ultraschall in Der Medizin (Stuttgart, Germany : 1980)
|April 19, 2002
Summary
Abnormal Doppler studies in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) pregnancies indicate a poorer outcome. Gestational age at delivery is the most direct predictor of infant survival in TTTS cases.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Fetal Surgery
Background:
- Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies.
- Accurate prediction of pregnancy outcomes in TTTS is crucial for timely intervention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify clinical factors at diagnosis that predict pregnancy outcomes in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 28 TTTS pregnancies over three years.
- Sonographic findings and Doppler studies were used to classify TTTS stages (I-IV).
- Outcomes including perinatal survival and gestational age at delivery were recorded.
Main Results:
- Pregnancies classified as stages III or IV (abnormal Doppler/hydrops) had significantly higher rates of perinatal mortality.
- Survival rates improved with later gestational age at delivery.
- Both infants survived in 14 pregnancies, with a median gestational age of 30.5 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Doppler study results at diagnosis are the most significant predictor of pregnancy outcome in TTTS.
- Gestational age at delivery is the most direct factor linked to predicted outcome at the time of birth.