We evaluated the outcomes and adverse events after fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) using the Solomon technique in comparison to the selective technique. A retrospective analysis of a single-center consecutive cohort of FLS-treated TTTS using the selective (January 2010 to July 2014) and Solomon (August 2014 to December 2017) techniques was performed. Among 395 cases, 227 underwent selective coagulation and 168 underwent the Solomon technique. The incidence rates of recurrent TTTS (Solomon vs. selective: 0% vs. .9%, p = .510) and twin anemia–polycythemia sequence (.6% vs. .4%, p = .670) were very low in both groups. The incidence rates of placental abruption (Solomon vs. selective: 10.7% vs. 3.5%, p = .007) and preterm premature rupture of the membranes (pPROM) with subsequent delivery before 32 weeks (20.2% vs. 7.1%, p < .001) were higher in the Solomon group. The median birth recipient weight was significantly smaller in the Solomon group (1790 g vs. 1933 g, p = .049). The rate of survival of at least one twin was significantly higher in the Solomon group (98.2% vs. 93.8%, p = .046). The Solomon technique and total laser energy were significant risk factors for pPROM (odds ratio: 2.64, 1.07, 95% CI [1.32, 5.28], [1.01, 1.13], p = .006, p = .014, respectively). These findings suggest that the Solomon technique led to superior survival outcomes but increased risks of placental abruption, pPROM and fetal growth impairment. Total laser energy was associated with the occurrence of pPROM. Close attention to adverse events is required for perinatal management after FLS to treat TTTS using the Solomon technique.
Aim: To examine the outcomes of prenatally diagnosed lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) with current management using vesicoamniotic shunting (VAS). Methods: A retrospective study of prenatally diagnosed LUTO before 26 weeks of gestation at two tertiary centers in Japan between March 2002 and September 2017. LUTO was diagnosed by ultrasound demonstration of an enlarged fetal bladder associated with hydronephrosis and/or hydroureters. VAS was offered for fetuses with LUTO at ≤26 weeks of gestational age, in the presence of oligohydramnios or decreasing amniotic fluid and a favorable fetal urinary analysis. Results: Among 87 fetuses with LUTO, 46 (53%) were terminated before 22 weeks of gestation. Eight cases (9%) underwent VAS and one underwent fetoscopic urethrotomy. The live birth rates in the VAS and expectant groups were 100% (8/8) and 56% (18/32), respectively (p = 0.034), and the survival rates at 6 months old with a normal renal function were 38% (3/8) and 16% (5/32), respectively (p = 0.608). The etiology varied with six cases of associated anomalies among 23 diagnosed cases. Among the nine cases of posterior urethral valve (PUV), only one fetus underwent VAS at 25 weeks of gestation, ultimately surviving with mild renal dysfunction. Among the other eight cases of PUV that were managed expectantly, two died, and only one of the six survivors showed a normal renal function. Conclusions: More than half of the prenatally diagnosed LUTO cases were terminated. VAS seemed effective for achieving a perinatal survival, regardless of etiology. The outcomes were poor in cases of expectantly managed PUV.
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