Pregnancy Characteristics and Outcomes in Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancies Complicated by Proximal Placental Cord Insertions From a Single Center
Shelly Soni MD , Juliana S. Gebb MD , Christina Paidas Teefey MD , Beverly G. Coleman MD , Julie S. Moldenhauer MD , Nahla Khalek MD
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Proximal placental cord insertion (pPCI), defined as a ≤4 cm distance between umbilical cord insertions, is a distinct anomaly observed in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies, characterized by the umbilical cords of both fetuses inserting in close proximity within the placental tissue. There is limited available data on the pregnancy characteristics and outcomes in monochorionic diamniotic twins with proximal placental cord insertions (pPCI).
Objectives
To investigate pregnancy characteristics in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins complicated by pPCI and compare outcomes with nonproximal PCI (nPCI) cases.
Methods
Single center retrospective cohort study of MCDA pregnancies evaluated from 2010 to 2023. pPCI was defined as a ≤4 cm distance between cord insertions on standardized prenatal ultrasound. Maternal characteristics, prenatal diagnoses, interventions, and perinatal outcomes were compared between pPCI and nPCI groups. The primary outcome was perinatal loss, defined as no live births or survival of only 1 fetus to hospital discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of adverse outcomes.
Results
A total of 59 pregnancies with pPCI and 1319 pregnancies with nPCI were identified. The pPCI group had higher rates of selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR; 42.4% vs 26.3%, p=0.), type III sFGR (20.3% vs 8.8%, p=.009), and abnormal umbilical artery (UA) Dopplers without definitive diagnosis (11.9% vs 0.2%, p<.0001). Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) was less common in the pPCI group (23.7% vs 48.2%, p=.0003). Intervention was performed less frequently in pPCI (45.8% vs 58.5%, p=.05), with higher use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (37.3% vs 17.1%, p=.0004) and lower use of laser photocoagulation (3.4% vs 38.3%, p<.0001). Overall perinatal loss did not differ significantly (25.9% vs 21.2%, p=.25), but in the intervention subgroup, the pPCI group had significantly higher rates of “no survivors to hospital discharge” (25.9% vs 11.8%, p=.04). pPCI, sFGR, and gestational age at delivery were independently associated with no survivors to hospital discharge.
Conclusion
Proximal cord insertion is an uncommon but clinically relevant finding in MCDA twin pregnancies, associated with a distinct prenatal phenotype. While overall perinatal loss was similar, pPCI was independently associated with adverse outcomes following intervention. Early recognition of pPCI may inform risk stratification, surveillance, and counseling in monochorionic pregnancies. Abnormal UA Dopplers in the absence of other monochorionic pathology should prompt consideration of pPCI.
期刊介绍:
The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AJOG) is a highly esteemed publication with two companion titles. One of these is the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Maternal-Fetal Medicine (AJOG MFM), which is dedicated to the latest research in the field of maternal-fetal medicine, specifically concerning high-risk pregnancies. The journal encompasses a wide range of topics, including:
Maternal Complications: It addresses significant studies that have the potential to change clinical practice regarding complications faced by pregnant women.
Fetal Complications: The journal covers prenatal diagnosis, ultrasound, and genetic issues related to the fetus, providing insights into the management and care of fetal health.
Prenatal Care: It discusses the best practices in prenatal care to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the unborn child.
Intrapartum Care: It provides guidance on the care provided during the childbirth process, which is critical for the safety of both mother and baby.
Postpartum Issues: The journal also tackles issues that arise after childbirth, focusing on the postpartum period and its implications for maternal health. AJOG MFM serves as a reliable forum for peer-reviewed research, with a preference for randomized trials and meta-analyses. The goal is to equip researchers and clinicians with the most current information and evidence-based strategies to effectively manage high-risk pregnancies and to provide the best possible care for mothers and their unborn children.