Predictors of Poor Outcomes in Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancies Complicated by Selective Fetal Growth Restriction

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The aim of the study was to identify predictors of poor outcomes in monochorionic diamniotic twin (MCDA) pregnancies with selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR), irrespective of the umbilical artery (UA) Doppler abnormalities. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Single-center retrospective analysis of MCDA twins diagnosed with sFGR that opted for expectant management between 2010 and 2021. The presence of any of the following variables in the growth-restricted fetus: low amniotic fluid volume (DVP ≤2 cm), lack of a cycling bladder, absent or reversed flow in the ductus venosus (DV) with atrial contraction, and elevated middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) defined as ≥1.50 multiples of the median was categorized as complicated. sFGR cases were classified as simple in the absence of the above-mentioned variables. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Overall, 63.3% of cases qualified as simple, and 36.7% were complicated. Intertwin EFW discordance was higher in the complicated category (26 vs. 33%, <i>p</i> = 0.0002). The median gestational age at delivery was earlier (33 weeks vs. 30.5 weeks, <i>p</i> = 0.002), and the likelihood of survival was lower in the complicated category (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). The likelihood of <i>two</i> survivors to discharge was lower in type I complicated cases (70% in complicated type I vs. 97.1% in simple type I, <i>p</i> = 0.0003). On logistic regression analysis, an increase in the “complicated” score negatively correlated with two survivors to discharge (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). An ROC curve was created, and the AUC was 0.79. Increasing intertwin EFW discordance also decreased the probability of <i>two</i> survivors to discharge. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The presence of oligohydramnios, lack of a cycling bladder, abnormal DV Doppler, and elevated MCA-PSV in the growth restricted fetus is associated with poor perinatal outcomes and a lower likelihood of having <i>two</i> survivors to discharge. The addition of intertwin EFW discordance to these variables helped improve the survival predictability.