Neurodevelopmental Outcome After Fetoscopic Laser Surgery for Twin-twin Transfusion Syndrome:A Systematic Review of Follow-up Studies from the Last Decade

Objective:To review the literature on long-term neurodevelopmental outcome after fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome(TTTS).Methods:A literature search in PubMed,Embase,Emcare,Web of Science,Cochrane library,and Academic Search Premier was performed.Inclusion criteria were studies between 2009 and 2019 in TTTS-survivors treated with fetoscopic laser surgery and followed-up after the neonatal period with cognitive developmental tests and neurologic exams.Exclusion criteria were non-English articles and reviews,case reports,letters,and guidelines.Results:Nineteen articles were included.Long-term severe neurodevelopmental impairment(NDI)was reported by seven and ranged from 4.0%to 18.0%with a mean of 9.7%(95%confidence interval(CI):7.8-11.5).The prevalence of cerebral palsy ranged from 1.6%to 18.2%,with a mean of 5.1%(95%CI:4.1-6.2).The mean prevalence of minor impairment was 13.7%(95%CI:11.4-16.0).However,only 78.9%(15/19)studies used a validated neurodevelopmental test.As studies lack uniform definitions of primary outcome,timing of follow-up,inclusion criteria,and methods,adequate comparison is hampered.Conclusion:The prevalence of severe NDI and cerebral palsy after fetoscopic laser surgery for TTTS in the last decade remains stable around 9.7%and 5.1%,respectively.International agreements on primary outcomes,methods,and follow-up are necessary to improve the knowledge of NDI in TTTS-survivors.

Current Practice and Protocols: Endoscopic Laser Therapy for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

The pathophysiology of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome(TTTS)is complex,and its understanding has evolved along with the evolution and revolution of fetal diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.Over the last few decades,several therapeutic interventions have been researched for improving the outcomes in TTTS.We present a summary of the current protocols for surveillance,diagnosis,and staging of TTTS in monochorionic pregnancies.We also describe in detail the technique for treatment of TTTS by endoscopic laser photocoagulation.