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. 2022 May;157(2):340-346.
doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13785. Epub 2021 Jul 12.

Perinatal outcome in monochorionic twin pregnancies after selective fetal reduction using radiofrequency ablation

Vatsla Dadhwal  1 , K Aparna Sharma  1 , Anubhuti Rana  1 , Akash Sharma  2 , Lakhwinder Singh  1
Affiliations

Perinatal outcome in monochorionic twin pregnancies after selective fetal reduction using radiofrequency ablation

Vatsla Dadhwal et al. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022 May.

Abstract

Objective: To study the perinatal outcomes in women with complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies undergoing selective fetal reduction using radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods: This retrospective study included 44 patients with monochorionic twin pregnancies, between 14 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, who underwent RFA for selective fetal reduction. Perinatal and maternal outcomes and procedure-related complications were analyzed.

Results: The procedure was technically successful in all 44 cases. Indications for selective fetal reduction included twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (52.3%), twin reversed arterial perfusion (20.5%), twins discordant for anomaly (15.9%), and selective fetal growth restriction (11.4%). Median gestational age at procedure was 222/7 weeks (range 14-266/7 ). Live birth rate was 77.3% with three neonatal deaths; so overall survival was 70.5%. Median procedure-to-delivery interval was 123/7 weeks (range 24/7 -23). There were eight losses before 24 weeks of pregnancy, which included two co-twin deaths. Median gestational age at delivery was 35 weeks (interquartile range 321/7 -37 weeks). The preterm delivery rate was 66.7% (24/36) and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurred in 22.7% (10/44) of patients.

Conclusion: Selective fetal reduction using RFA is safe and effective in complicated monochorionic pregnancies. However, the rates of PPROM and preterm delivery remain high.

Keywords: monochorionic twins; radiofrequency ablation; selective fetal reduction.

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References

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