[The initial results of fetoscopic laser treatment for severe second trimester twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in the Netherlands are comparable to international results].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Evaluation of the initial results of selective fetoscopic laser coagulation of placental blood vessels for severe second-trimester twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in the Netherlands.

DESIGN:

Prospective cohort study.

METHOD:

Between August 2000 and December 31, 2002, 49 patients were included with severe second-trimester twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Treatment took place in the Leiden University Medical Centre and consisted of selective fetoscopic laser coagulation of anastomoses along the vascular equator on the placental surface. Follow-up was complete until six weeks after delivery.

RESULTS:

Median gestational age was 20 weeks at fetoscopy and 34 weeks at birth. Perinatal survival rate was 65% (64/98). The treatment resulted in at least one surviving child in 80% of pregnancies.

CONCLUSION:

The results of fetoscopic laser treatment for severe second-trimester twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in the Netherlands are similar to the recent results in specialised foreign centres.

• Authors: J M Middeldorp, F J Klumper, D Oepkes, E Lopriore, H H Kanhai, F P Vandenbussche
• Journal: Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde (Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd) Vol. 148 Issue 24 Pg. 1203-8 (Jun 12 2004) ISSN: 0028-2162 [Print] Netherlands
• Vernacular Title: Eerste resultaten in Nederland van foetoscopische laserbehandeling bij tweelingtransfusiesyndroom in het tweede trimester van de zwangerschap vergelijkbaar met internationale resultaten.
• PMID: 15224433 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Cohort Studies
• Female
• Fetal Diseases (mortality, surgery)
• Fetofetal Transfusion (mortality, surgery)
• Fetoscopy (methods)
• Humans
• Laser Coagulation (methods)
• Placenta (blood supply, surgery)
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Trimester, Second
• Prospective Studies
• Survival Rate
• Treatment Outcome
• Twins