The impact of laser therapy on fetal growth discordance in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Renato A. Moreira de Sa, Salomon J. Laurent, Yuichiro Takahashi, Masami Yamamoto, Yves Ville
2005 Revista Brasileira de Saúde Materno Infantil  
OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the impact of laser therapy on inter-twin discordance in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS: biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL) and estimated fetal weight were prospectively collected during a five-year period (1999 to 2004). The inter-twin discordance was expressed as a percentage of the largest twin's measurements. The measurements were made the day before laser, twice following laser and
more » ... ter delivery. The mean values of discordance in measurements and in fetal weight were calculated. ANOVA was used to compare mean values. RESULTS: the mean (SD) discordance for BPD, HC, AC, FL and estimated fetal weight the day before laser were 8.53% (5.28), 8.75% (2.76), 16.19% (4.85), 12.92% (5.13) and 28.50% (6.46) respectively. At the at 2nd ultrasound assessment after surgery were 4.37% (3.55), 3.73% (2.71), 8.90% (4.42), 6.61% (4.99) and 19.11% (8.01) respectively; and at birth the weight discordance was 18.55% (8.74). There was a significant decrease in discordance for HC and AC for each ultrasound assessment. CONCLUSIONS: there was a decrease in fetal growth discordance following laser therapy in TTTS. These changes might be related to re-adaptation of blood flow following laser therapy.
doi:10.1590/s1519-38292005000300007 fatcat:brxcx5t6bfcl5iy5d3fhvqajou