Anne-Sophie Weingertner

Fetoscopic laser coagulation of the vascular equator versus selective coagulation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: an open-label randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND Monochorionic twin pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome are typically treated with fetoscopic laser coagulation. Postoperative complications can occur due to residual vascular anastomoses on the placenta. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel surgery technique that uses laser coagulation of the entire vascular equator (Solomon technique). METHODS We undertook an open-label, international, multicentre, randomised controlled trial at five European tertiary referral centres. Women with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome were randomly assigned by online randomisation (1:1) with permuted blocks to the Solomon technique or standard laser coagulation. The primary outcome was a composite of incidence of twin anaemia polycythaemia sequence, recurrence of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, perinatal mortality, or severe neonatal morbidity. Analyses were by intention to treat, with results expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. This trial is registered with the Dutch Trial Registry, number NTR1245. FINDINGS Between March 11, 2008, and July 12, 2012, 274 women were randomly assigned to either the Solomon group (n=139) or the standard treatment group (n=135). The primary outcome occurred in 94 (34%) of 274 fetuses in the Solomon group versus 133 (49%) of 270 in the standard treatment group (OR 0·54; 95% CI 0·35-0·82). The Solomon technique was associated with a reduction in twin anaemia polycythaemia sequence (3% vs 16% for the standard treatment; OR 0·16, 95% CI 0·05-0·49) and recurrence of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (1% vs 7%; 0·21, 0·04-0·98). Perinatal mortality and severe neonatal morbidity did not differ significantly between the two groups. Outside of the common and well-known complications of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and its treatment, no serious adverse events occurred. INTERPRETATION Fetoscopic laser coagulation of the entire vascular equator reduces postoperative fetal morbidity in severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. We recommend that fetoscopic surgeons consider adopting this strategy for treatment of women with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. FUNDING Netherlands Organization for the Health Research and Development (ZonMw 92003545).

Laser surgery as a management option for twin anemia–polycythemia sequence

To evaluate the effectiveness of laser treatment for antenatally detected twin anemia–polycythemia sequence (TAPS) compared with intrauterine transfusion or expectant management.

Prenatal management and thoracoamniotic shunting in primary fetal pleural effusions: a single centre experience.

Primary fetal pleural effusions are rare. If severe, thoracoamniotic shunting is needed. Our objective was to study the management and outcomes of pleural effusions in our unit.

Fetal reduction of triplet pregnancy: one or two?

To review outcomes following reductions in trichorionic triplet pregnancies at our institution.

Predictive value of cardiovascular parameters in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome

To evaluate the prognostic value of the Childrens Hospital Of Philadelphia (CHOP) cardiovascular score and the modified myocardial performance index (MPI), in determining the risk of recipient fetal loss in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Is the non-respect of ethical principles by health professionals during first-trimester sonographic Down syndrome screening damaging to patient autonomy?

To evaluate the understanding of health professionals involved in first‐trimester ultrasound screening of the ethical stakes involved by addressing three questions regarding: how much these professionals know about Down syndrome screening by nuchal translucency thickness measurement; their personal opinion with respect to this screening test; and their attitude with respect to their patients, in order to answer the question: ‘Are ethical principles respected when women are proposed ultrasound screening during the first trimester of pregnancy?’.

Interest of Foetal Nasal Bone Measurement at First Trimester Trisomy 21 Screening

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of foetal nasal bone (NB) measurement during the first trimester of pregnancy, and to examine the contribution of this measurement to the prenatal screening for Down syndrome following the definition of NB threshold using ROC curves in an unselected population. Methods: This prospective study was carried out at our centre SIHCUS-CMCO (reference centre) from January 2002 to December 2004 on a total of 2,044 pregnant outpatients at gestational weeks 11–14. Only 1260 singleton foetuses were used for statistical analysis. In the 784 other patients, we were unable to obtain a correct image allowing a reproducible measurement. NB was measured during the same session as nuchal translucency (NT) measurement. Ten trained sonographers took part in the study. Correlation index was evaluated to shed light on a link between interest variables and NB. Screening values of NB measurement in T 21 were also calculated with NB measurement according to crown-rump length, and expressed as the best threshold of multiple of the median determined by ROC curve. Screening values of genetic ultrasound were then evaluated by adding NB measurement to maternal age and NT measurement. Results: Two thousand and forty-four patients were included. We indexed 30 cases of T 21, 14 cases of Trisomy 18, 10 cases of Trisomy 13 and 25 cases of other karyotype abnormalities. Feasibility of measurement was 62% of all cases. We observed a significant relation between NB and NT (p = 0.001 ), as well as between NB and crown-rump-length (p < 0.0001 ). However, size of NB was not correlated to maternal ethnic group (p = 0.314). At 0.6 multiple of the median thresholds, screening values of NB measurement in T 21 were: sensibility 32%, false positive rate 10%, positive predictive value 13.6%, and negative predictive value 96.9%. The likelihood ratio for T 21 in case of NB ≤ 0.6 multiple of the median was 4.4 (2.0–9.4). Screening values for maternal age and NT measurement were: sensitivity 88%, false positive rate 23%,positive predictive value 9.7%, and negative predictive value 99.6%. Inclusion of NB measurement increased sensitivity to 100%, positive predictive value to 13.6%, and negative predictive value to 100%, and decreased false positive rate to 5%. Conclusion: NB measurement seemed to be a great sonographic marker for T 21. However, its low feasibility made it inadequate for routine settings in first trimester T 21 screening in an unselected population. Statistical independence with NT thickness needed to be further evaluated.

What is predictive of preterm delivery in the first trimester: isthmus or cervical length?

This study aims to evaluate the utility of first trimester cervical ultrasonography in predicting preterm delivery by separate analysis of measurements of cervical and isthmus length.

Evaluation of prenatal and postnatal diagnostic criteria for twin anemia-polycythemia sequence.

The aim of this study is to analyze the relevance of the prenatal and postnatal diagnostic parameters of twin anemia‐polycythemia sequence (TAPS).

Microcephaly Caused by Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus

We report congenital microencephaly caused by infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus in the fetus of a 29-year-old pregnant women at 23 weeks’ gestation. The diagnosis was made by ultrasonography and negative results for other agents and confirmed by a positive PCR result for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus in an amniotic fluid sample.