<b><i>Background:</i></b> Fetal subdural haematoma (SDH) is associated with poor prognosis. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The conflicting evidence from the literature presents a challenge in prenatal counselling. We present a case study and systematic review of the literature for the management and outcome of fetal SDH. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Systematic search of electronic database. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total 45 cases were extracted from 39 papers. Prenatal ultrasonographic features were intracranial echogenicity (42%), lateral ventriculomegaly (38%), presence of an intracranial mass (31%), macrocephaly (24%), midline deviation of cerebral falx (20%), and intracranial fluid collection (11%). Further secondary features were noted including reversed diastolic flow in the middle cerebral artery (11%), echogenic bowel (4%), hydrops fetalis (2%), and elevated middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (2%) (all highly likely to be associated with fetal anaemia). The rates of termination of pregnancy, stillbirth, and neonatal death were 18% (8/45), 16% (7/45), and 11% (5/45), respectively. Overall, therefore, the fetal and perinatal mortality was 32% (12/37). Amongst the 24 survivors with available neurological outcome, 42% (10/24) and 58% (14/24) had abnormal and normal neurological outcome, respectively. Underlying aetiology of fetal SDH was not identified in 47% (21/45). Fetal SDH with an identifiable underlying aetiology was the only factor associated with a higher chance of normal neurological outcome when compared to fetal SDH without a detectable cause (78.5 vs. 21.4%, <i>p</i> = 0.035). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Stillbirth and neonatal death occurred in a significant proportion of fetal SDH. 58% of survivors had normal neurological outcome, and better prognosis was seen in SDH with identifiable underlying aetiology.
Background/Purpose: We report a case study of jejunal atresia and the results of a systematic literature review of all reported cases of bowel complications occurring after fetoscopic laser ablation (FLA) for the treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Methods: A systematic literature review was performed of bowel complications after FLA for TTTS according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: There are 11 published cases of small bowel atresia, 5 cases of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), and 2 cases with foetal bowel perforations. Recipient twins were more likely to be affected by small bowel atresia (7 recipient and 4 donor cases) and NEC (3 recipient and 2 donor twins). Prenatal ultrasonographic abnormalities were demonstrated in 7 out of 9 cases with bowel atresia and in both cases of bowel perforation. The overall survival rate for neonates with bowel complications after FLA is 72%, but is much lower for co-twins at 22%. The survival rates for jejunoileal atresia and NEC are 91 and 40%, respectively. Conclusions: It is uncertain as to whether these bowel anomalies are due to bowel ischaemia associated with TTTS, the treatment with FLA, or a combination of both. Cases with prenatal abdominal ultrasonographic abnormalities after FLA should have close prenatal and postnatal assessment to detect bowel complications.
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