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Published on: September 5, 2011
Prevalence of noncardiac structural anomalies in twin-twin transfusion syndrome
Shivani Patel1, Linda M Randolph, Kurt Benirschke
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
Objectives:
Compared to singleton pregnancies, monochorionic twins have increased rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality, believed due in part to both twin-twin transfusion syndrome and an increased risk of congenital anomalies. Here we describe the prevalence of noncardiac structural anomalies in monochorionic twins with twin-twin transfusion syndrome who underwent laser surgery.
Methods:
In a retrospective study of 221 consecutive cases of twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated with laser surgery, noncardiac anomalies were identified by review of antepartum and neonatal medical records.
Results:
Of 377 live-born twins, 19 (5.0%) had a noncardiac anomaly. This rate was increased for donor versus recipient twins (8.5% versus 2.0%; P < .01). The presence of an anomaly was unrelated to the Quintero stage, the presence of donor intrauterine growth restriction, or 30-day survival of the donor or recipient.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of noncardiac anomalies in pregnancies complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome who underwent laser surgery was higher in donors versus recipients.
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