Evaluation of the CHOP cardiovascular score as a prognostic predictor of outcome in twin-twin transfusion syndrome after laser coagulation of placental vessels in a prospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic value of cardiac function assessment by the previously reported CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) cardiovascular score in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

METHODS

All consecutive monochorionic pregnancies presenting with TTTS over a 24-month period were evaluated by preoperative echocardiography before percutaneous laser coagulation of chorionic vessels. Each of the 12 items of the CHOP score was evaluated prospectively and the cardiovascular score was categorized into stages using previously published cut-offs. The outcome considered for this study was neonatal survival of neither, one or both twins.

RESULTS

In total, 215 pregnancies were enrolled. Due to technical issues, CHOP evaluation was incomplete in 16% of cases and follow-up was unavailable in 12%. Overall, there was a significant relationship between the CHOP score and the Quintero staging system, although this relationship was significantly reduced when parameters used in the Quintero system were removed from the CHOP score. Based upon neonatal survival, the CHOP score did not show any prognostic value regarding overall pregnancy outcome or individual recipient survival.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac function assessment using the CHOP score is not of clinical use as a prognostic marker in TTTS. This suggests that cardiac function may not be of interest for preoperative staging when laser coagulation is the first-line treatment, other than to confirm the diagnosis of TTTS requiring surgery.