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Elsevier, Best Practice and Research: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 4(18), p. 577-599

DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2004.04.011

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Management of other complications specific to monochorionic twin pregnancies

Journal article published in 2004 by L. Pasquini, R. C. Wimalasundera, N. M. Fisk ORCID
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.

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Abstract

Monochorionic (MC) twins have a 3-10-fold higher perinatal mortality and morbidity than dichorionic twins. This is largely attributable to their common vascular architecture and the high rate of discordant fetal growth, growth restriction and congenital abnormalities. In the event of a single intrauterine death (IUD), intertwin agonal transfusion results in up to a 38% risk of death and a 46% risk of neurological injury to the co-twin. This chapter addresses the management of complications unique to MC twins. The primary aim of management is to prevent single IUD or, if inevitable, prevent agonal transfusion occurring by vascular occlusive selective feticide. Older fetoscopic techniques have been replaced by the simpler ultrasound-guided techniques of interstitial laser and bipolar cord occlusion. Their application in twin reversed-arterial perfusion sequence has been associated with a 50% reduction of perinatal mortality in the pump twin. Moreover, prophylactic interstitial laser therapy in early pregnancy might obviate the technical and clinical difficulties in the presence of fetal decompensation in later pregnancy. Recent strategies to reduce the high perinatal mortality due to cord entanglement in antenatally diagnosed monoamniotic twins including medical amnioreduction and elective caesarean delivery at 32 weeks, are also discussed.