Short- and long-term outcome in stage 1 twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome treated with laser surgery compared with conservative management.

Abstract

We sought to compare short- and long-term outcome in Quintero stage 1 twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), managed with laser surgery or conservatively. We conducted a retrospective study of all monochorionic twin pregnancies with stage 1 TTTS referred to our center. Primary outcomes were perinatal survival, neonatal morbidity, and long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. Fifty women presented with stage 1 TTTS of which 40% (20/50) was treated with laser and 60% (30/50) was managed conservatively. Perinatal survival of both or at least 1 twin was 65% (13/20) and 85% (17/20) in the laser group, and 77% (23/30) and 97% (29/30) in the conservatively managed group (P = .52 and P = .29), respectively. Long-term neurodevelopmental impairment of the surviving infants was found in 0% (0/21) vs 23% (7/30), respectively (P = .03). In this retrospective study, long-term outcome in stage 1 TTTS was better after laser surgery than with conservative management, suggesting the need for a randomized controlled trial.