Long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in monochorionic twins after fetal therapy

Early Hum Dev. 2011 Sep;87(9):601-6. doi: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2011.07.007. Epub 2011 Aug 9.

Abstract

Monochorionic (MC) twins are at risk for several disorders, including twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), Twin Reverse Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) and selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR). Several fetal interventions, such as serial amnioreduction (AR), fetoscopic laser coagulation of placental anastomoses (FLC) and selective feticide have lead to improved perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. Nevertheless, the rate of cerebral lesions in MC twins after fetal therapy appears to be high. Follow-up studies show a high incidence of cerebral palsy (CP) and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). We performed a systematic review on the long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in MC twins with TTTS following AR and FLC and MC twins following selective feticide of the co-twin due to TTTS, TRAP, sIUGR and congenital anomalies.

MeSH terms

  • Child Development
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Fetal Therapies
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / surgery*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Laser Coagulation
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / surgery
  • Pregnancy Reduction, Multifetal
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome