What are the novel findings of this work?This study demonstrates that half of fetuses eligible for prenatal open spina bifida repair have structural brain anomalies, such as an abnormal corpus callosum or heterotopia. Such anomalies were more likely in the presence of a lumbar or higher lesion and wider lateral ventricles (≥ 15 mm). What are the clinical implications of this work?Our findings highlight the relevance of detailed prenatal and preoperative assessment of the brain in fetuses with open spina bifida. One can expect that around half of affected fetuses will present with central nervous system anomalies prior to fetal surgery, which may be considered as additional information for presurgical counseling.

Fetal tumors of the head and neck are rare congenital malformations. Two-dimensional ultrasound is diagnostic in almost all cases; however, MRI may be an important diagnostic adjunct in targeted cases and help patient selection for immediate intubation at the time of delivery. EXIT procedure and surgical removal of the tumor was associated with good prognosis.

There are many suitable recommendations for twin gestation term in the literature. In many protocols, resolution is recommended for dichorionic pregnancies around 38 weeks, at 36 weeks for monochorionic (devoid of complications) and at 32-34 weeks in cases of single amniotic chamber. The main risk associated with vaginal delivery is connected to the possibility of anoxia of the second twin. However, a cesarean delivery performed by non-cephalic presentation of the second twin is associated with increased maternal morbidity without improved neonatal outcome. The most important factors in the decision of the delivery mode include the presentation of the fetus, gestational age, and weight or the weight difference between the fetuses.

Introduction Abundant research has reported twin‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) outcomes following fetal therapy. Our research describes TTTS patients who did not undergo fetal therapy. Methods Records from TTTS pregnancies evaluated at 16 to 26 gestational weeks were reviewed between January 2006 and March 2017. The study population comprised subjects who did not undergo fetal therapy. Based on initial consultation, patients were grouped as nonsurgical vs surgical candidates. TTTS progression and perinatal outcomes were assessed. Results Of 734 TTTS patients evaluated, 68 (9.3%) did not undergo intervention. Of these, 62% were nonsurgical candidates and 38% were surgical candidates. Nonsurgical candidates were ineligible for treatment because of fetal demise or maternal factors (placental abruption, severe membrane separation, and preterm labor). Of surgical candidates, 11 underwent expectant management, eight elected pregnancy termination, and seven planned fetal intervention but had a complication before the procedure. TTTS progression occurred in 10 (15.2%) of 66 cases. Neonatal survival in 64 cases was as follows: in 41 (64%), no survivors; in 11 (17.2%), one survivor; and in 12 (18.8%), two survivors. Conclusion Nine percent of referred TTTS patients did not undergo fetal therapy, with many ineligible because of morbidity between referral and consultation. Studies of TTTS should acknowledge this subgroup and circumstances leading to lack of treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Abundant research has been conducted regarding patients with TTTS who underwent fetal therapy, i.e., laser surgery, amnioreduction, and umbilical cord occlusion. Here, we describe patients referred for TTTS who did not undergo fetal therapy. METHODS: TTTS gestations at 16-26 weeks referred between 1/2006 and 3/2017 were reviewed. Those who did not undergo fetal therapy comprised the final study population. Based on initial consultation data, patients were grouped as non-surgical vs. surgical candidates. TTTS progression and perinatal outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: 734 TTTS patients were evaluated. Of these, 68 (9.3%) did not undergo intervention; 42 non-surgical candidates (62%) and 26 surgical candidates (38%). Of the non-surgical candidates, 21 were ineligible because of fetal demise and 21 were ineligible because of maternal factors (12: preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes, 7: placental abruption, 2: severe membrane separation). Of the surgical candidates, 11 underwent expectant management without subsequent intervention, 8 elected pregnancy termination, and 7 planned fetal intervention but had a complication before the procedure. Of 66 untreated cases, 10 (15.2%) had TTTS disease progression. Neonatal outcomes were available in 64 untreated cases: 41 (64%) had no survivors, 11 (17.2%) had one survivor and 12 (18.8%) had two survivors. CONCLUSION: 9% of referred TTTS patients did not undergo fetal therapy, with many ineligible because of the development of fetal demise or labor onset between referral and consultation. To avoid bias, studies tracking outcomes of TTTS should routinely acknowledge this subgroup and the circumstances leading to lack of treatment.

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