Reproductive Outcomes following Laser Surgery for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> There are limited studies describing future reproductive outcomes in women who have had selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (SFLP) for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). <b><i>Objective:</i></b> Our study aims to compare reproductive outcomes following monochorionic multiple gestational pregnancies complicated by TTTS requiring SFLP to those not requiring SFLP. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This is a retrospective cohort study that analyzed records of patients who were evaluated at the Cincinnati Fetal Center (2007–2014) for monochorionic multiple gestations. A questionnaire regarding reproductive, obstetric, gynecologic, and psychological outcomes following the index pregnancy was administered to consented participants by electronic distribution. The data was compared between pregnancies with prior SFLP versus no prior SFLP. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was a higher response rate in the SFLP group (219/474, 46.2%) versus the referent group (62/187, 33.2%). The median interval between the index pregnancy and survey completion was 74 months and 46 months in the SFLP and referent groups, respectively. Approximately 38 and 37% of the women in the SFLP and referent groups attempted conception after the index pregnancy with a >90% pregnancy success rate in both groups. Use of assisted reproductive technology was highly prevalent in both the index and subsequent pregnancies, with no significant difference between the groups. Over 60% of the women in each group did not attempt future pregnancy. Of those, approximately 1 in 3 cited the outcome of the index pregnancy as the primary reason for not pursuing future conception. There were no significant differences in selected maternal-fetal complications and new-onset gynecologic problems. More than 1 in 4 women in both groups were diagnosed with a mental health disorder following the index pregnancy. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> SFLP does not appear to be associated with adverse reproductive, obstetric, or gynecologic outcomes. The data may help facilitate evidence-based counseling for this patient population.