The influence of the introduction of a national prenatal screening program on late termination of pregnancy, a retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To assess the influence of a national prenatal screening program on category 1 (lethal anomalies) late terminations of pregnancy (LTOP).

Methods: In this population-based retrospective cohort study, we included all category 1 LTOPs from 2004 to 2015 in the Netherlands. The number of LTOPs before and after the introduction of the program was compared as well as the diagnostic process and factors contributing to LTOP.

Placental Abruption after Fetoscopic Laser Surgery in Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: The Role of the Solomon Technique.

Introduction: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a complication in monochorionic twin pregnancies which is preferably treated with fetoscopic laser surgery. A few small studies suggested a possible association between the Solomon laser technique and placental abruption.

Methods: The objective of this study is to compare the rate of and to explore potential risk factors for placental abruption in TTTS treated with fetoscopic laser surgery according to the Selective and Solomon laser technique.

Cardiac time intervals and myocardial performance index for prediction of twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

Objectives: To explore whether intertwin discordance in myocardial performance index (MPI) or cardiac time intervals enables the prediction of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies with amniotic fluid discordance.

Methods: Prospective cohort study of MCDA pregnancies with amniotic fluid discordance ≥4 cm. Serial ultrasound examinations consisted of evaluation of amniotic fluid, fetal Dopplers and fetal cardiac function.

Post-Laser Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence: Diagnosis, Management, and Outcome in an International Cohort of 164 Cases.

The aim of this study was to investigate the management and outcome in the post-laser twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS). Data of the international TAPS Registry, collected between 2014 and 2019, were used for this study. The primary outcomes were perinatal mortality and severe neonatal morbidity.

Prevalence, risk factors, and outcome of postprocedural amniotic band disruption sequence after fetoscopic laser surgery in twin-twin transfusion syndrome: a large single-center case series.

Background: Postprocedural amniotic band disruption sequence is a condition that is associated with intrauterine interventions, and it is characterized by a constriction of the limbs or umbilical cord by fibrous strands, leading to edema, amputation, and/or fetal demise.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of, risk factors for, and the outcome of postprocedural amniotic band disruption sequence after fetoscopic laser surgery in twin-twin transfusion syndrome cases.

Study Design: All consecutive cases of twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated with fetoscopic laser coagulation of the vascular anastomoses at our center between January 2002 and March 2019 were included in the study.

Perioperative fetal hemodynamic changes in twin-twin transfusion syndrome and neurodevelopmental outcome at two years of age.

Objective: To investigate whether perioperative fetal hemodynamic changes in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) are associated with neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at two years.

Methods: Doppler parameters of three sonograms (day before, first day after and 1 week after laser surgery for TTTS) were assessed for correlation with neurodevelopmental outcome at two years (2008-2016). NDI was defined as: cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness, and/or a Bayley-III cognitive/motor developmental test-score > 2SD below the mean.

Early postnatal cardiac follow-up of survivors of twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated with fetoscopic laser coagulation.

Objective: To assess the cardiac function and prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHD) in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) survivors.

Study Design: Prospective follow-up of TTTS pregnancies treated with laser surgery (2015-2018). Echocardiography was performed 1 day and 1 month after birth (corrected for prematurity).

Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Is there still Room for Improvement?

Despite many developments in its management, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) remains an important risk factor for long-term neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). Our objective was to compare the incidence of severe NDI in a recent cohort of TTTS survivors, treated with laser surgery from 2011 to 2014, with a previous cohort treated from 2008 to 2010. Neurological, cognitive, and motor development were assessed at two years of age.

Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome with Anemia-Polycythemia: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Outcome.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of co-existing anemia-polycythemia (AP) in twin pregnancies with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) prior to laser surgery, and to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes in TTTS twins with and without AP. All TTTS cases treated with laser between 2001 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of AP before surgery. AP was defined as delta middle cerebral artery-peak systolic velocity > 0.

Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome with and without Selective Fetal Growth Restriction Prior to Fetoscopic Laser Surgery: Short and Long-Term Outcome.

As twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) are both prevalent complications of monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies, its coexistence is not uncommon. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short and long-term outcome in TTTS with and without sFGR prior to fetoscopic laser coagulation. All TTTS cases treated with laser surgery at our center between 2001-2019 were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of sFGR, defined as an estimated fetal weight (EFW) <10th centile.

The value of echocardiography and Doppler in the prediction of fetal demise after laser coagulation for TTTS: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the value of echocardiography and Doppler before fetoscopic laser coagulation for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in the prediction of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare preoperative parameters between fetuses with and without demise after laser surgery. Eighteen studies were included.

Effectiveness of Stabilization of Preterm Infants With Intact Umbilical Cord Using a Purpose-Built Resuscitation Table-Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Most preterm infants fail to aerate their immature lungs at birth and need respiratory support for cardiopulmonary stabilization. Cord clamping before lung aeration compromises cardiovascular function. Delaying cord clamping until the lung has aerated may be beneficial for preterm infants by optimizing hemodynamic transition and placental transfusion.

Fatal Umbilical Cord Strangulation in the Remaining Co-Twin after Selective Foeticide with Radiofrequency Ablation for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.

We report a case of a monochorionic diamniotic twin diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS; stage 3) with co-existing severe cerebral damage in the donor twin at 18 + 4 weeks' gestation. After counselling, the parents opted for selective foeticide of the donor twin. For the procedure, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was used.

Acquired right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome; a prospective longitudinal study.

Objective: The pathophysiology of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) recipients is incompletely understood. We aimed to investigate the development and spectrum of RVOTO in TTTS recipients.

Methods: A prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted between 2015 and 2017.

Physiological-based cord clamping in preterm infants using a new purpose-built resuscitation table: a feasibility study.

Objective: Physiological-based cord clamping (PBCC) led to a more stable cardiovascular adaptation and better oxygenation in preterm lambs, but in preterm infants, this approach has been challenging. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of PBCC, including patterns of oxygen saturation (SpO) and heart rate (HR) during stabilisation in preterm infants using a new purpose-built resuscitation table.

Design: Observational study.

The near disappearance of fetal hydrops in relation to current state-of-the-art management of red cell alloimmunization.

Objective: In this study, we aim to evaluate trends in the condition of fetuses and neonates with hemolytic disease at the time of first intrauterine transfusion (IUT) and at birth, in relation to routine first-trimester antibody screening, referral guidelines, and centralization of fetal therapy.

Method: We conducted a 30-year cohort study including all women and fetuses treated with IUT for red cell alloimmunization at the Dutch national referral center for fetal therapy.

Results: Six hundred forty-five fetuses received 1852 transfusions between 1 January 1987 and 31 December 2016.

Long-Term Neurodevelopmental and Respiratory Outcome after Intrauterine Therapy for Fetal Thoracic Abnormalities.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate long-term neurodevelopmental and respiratory outcome after fetal therapy for fetal pleural effusion, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, and bronchopulmonary sequestration.

Methods: Children ≥18 months of age underwent an assessment of neurologic, motor, and cognitive development. Medical records were reviewed to determine respiratory outcome.

Clinical aspects of incorporating cord clamping into stabilisation of preterm infants.

Fetal to neonatal transition is characterised by major pulmonary and haemodynamic changes occurring in a short period of time. In the international neonatal resuscitation guidelines, comprehensive recommendations are available on supporting pulmonary transition and delaying clamping of the cord in preterm infants. Recent experimental studies demonstrated that the pulmonary and haemodynamic transition are intimately linked, could influence each other and that the timing of umbilical cord clamping should be incorporated into the respiratory stabilisation.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn in Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is suggested to increase the risk of PPHN.

Objectives: To describe the incidence of PPHN in TTTS twins and to identify risk factors in TTTS twins for the development of severe PPHN.

The effect of breathing on ductus arteriosus blood flow directly after birth.

Unlabelled: Spontaneous breathing at birth influences ductus arteriosus (DA) flow. This study quantifies the effect of breathing on DA shunting directly after birth. In healthy term infants born by elective cesarean section, simultaneous measurements of DA shunting and tidal volumes during spontaneous breathing were performed at 2-5, 5-8, and 10-13 min after birth.

Neonatal management and outcome after thoracoamniotic shunt placement for fetal hydrothorax.

Aim: To evaluate the short-term neonatal outcome after fetal thoracoamniotic shunt placement for isolated hydrothorax.

Methods: Retrospective evaluation of infants with isolated hydrothorax treated with thoracoamniotic shunt placement at our fetal therapy centre between 2001 and 2016.

Results: In total 48 fetuses were treated with a thoracoamniotic shunt.

Hematological disorders at birth in complicated monochorionic twins.

Monochorionic twins are at risk of severe complications including twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) and acute peripartum TTTS. The pathophysiology is based on inter-twin blood transfusion through placental vascular anastomoses. Areas covered: This review focuses on the incidence, management and outcome of neonatal hematological complications at birth in TTTS, TAPS and acute peripartum TTTS.

What is the impact of placental tissue damage after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome? A secondary analysis of the Solomon trial.

Background: The introduction of the Solomon technique for the treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) increased placental exposure to laser energy. This study aims to identify the impact of power and energy used in laser treatment on placental tissue and pregnancy outcome.

Methods: Pictures of all dye-injected placentas since the start of the Solomon trial were analyzed.

Antenatal management of twin-twin transfusion syndrome and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence.

Introduction: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS) are severe complications in monochorionic twin pregnancies associated with high mortality and morbidity risk if left untreated. Both diseases result from imbalanced inter-twin blood transfusion through placental vascular anastomoses.

Areas Covered: This review focuses on the differences in antenatal management between TTTS and TAPS.