Deep-hidden anastomoses in monochorionic twin placentae are harmless

Jeroen P. H. M. van den Wijngaard, Enrico Lopriore, Sandra M. A. van der Salm, Arty H. P. Schaap, Frank P. H. A. Vandenbussche, Marco C. Deruiter, Martin J. C. van Gemert

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24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to identify the clinical consequences of deep-hidden anastomoses that occur underneath the placental surface. METHODS: Twelve placentae that underwent intrauterine laser ablation of placental anastomoses for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and 14 non-TTTS controls were investigated for deep-hidden anastomoses. Additionally, we investigated the inter-twin haemoglobin differences as an indicator for fetofetal transfusion. Placentae were divided into four groups: TTTS placentae without residual chorionic-plate anastomoses without deep-hidden anastomoses (group 1) and with deep-hidden anastomoses (group 2), and non-TTTS placentae with chorionic-plate anastomoses without deep-hidden anastomoses (group 3) and with deep-hidden anastomoses (group 4). RESULTS: Deep-hidden anastomoses were identified in 58% (7/12) of the TTTS placentae after laser surgery and in 64% (9/14) of the non-TTTS placentae. Groups 1 and 2 had equal inter-twin haemoglobin differences: medians 1.4 and 1.2 gr/dL, respectively (p = 0.48). In group 3, the median inter-twin haemoglobin difference without deep-hidden anastomoses was 2.6 gr/dL (group 3) and with deep-hidden anastomoses (group 4) it was 5.1 gr/dL (p = 0.26). CONCLUSION: Both comparisons imply that deep-hidden anastomoses did not cause any additional increase in Hb difference. In conclusion, haematological and additional hemodynamical analysis show that deep-hidden anastomoses are likely to occur without any clinical consequences
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)233-239
JournalPrenatal diagnosis
Volume27
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

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