Laser fetoscopy ablation for twin-twin transfusion syndrome may reduce the risk of ROP

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a condition wherein monochorionic twins share a common placenta with placental anastomoses between the two foetal circulations. Most infants who survive TTTS are born prematurely. This study aimed to determine whether fetoscopic laser ablation (FLA) can reduce the risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and whether TTTS was a risk factor for ROP.

This single-centre, retrospective, comparative study included 32 monochorionic twins with TTTS matched for gestational age, birthweight and sex to premature twins and singletons without TTTS (n = 68; twins, n = 34; and singletons, n = 34) born between 2003 and 2022. A single ophthalmologist recorded the fundus findings. FLA was performed using Solomon's technique to separate the vascular systems of the twins with TTTS.

The gestational age and weight of premature infants with TTTS treated with FLA were significantly higher than those of untreated infants (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively); however, the hyaline membrane grade was lower (p = 0.004). A significant increase in weight (g/day) (p = 0.002) and lesser avascular area in the peripheral temporal retina (p = 0.045) was observed at postnatal week 4. The risk of ROP in the FLA group was 2.6 times (13.3% vs. 35.3%) lower than that in the non-FLA group; however, this difference was not significant. The incidence of any stage of ROP (25% vs. 18%) and treatment for ROP type 1 (6.25% vs. 5.9%) did not differ significantly between monochorionic twins with TTTS and premature infants without TTTS.

The gestational age of premature infants with TTTS treated with FLA was higher than that of untreated infants. Moreover, a reduction in complications of prematurity was also observed. Laser fetoscopy in twin-twin transfusion syndrome may reduce the risk of ROP, but the difference was not statistically significant in this small study.