How to Better Distinguish between Type II and III Selective Fetal Growth Restriction in Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies?

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to determine additional variables, next to umbilical artery (UA) Doppler, to help differentiate between Type II and III selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis categorizing monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies with sFGR and abnormal UA Doppler as either Type II or III sFGR based on the diameter of the artery-to-artery (AA) anastomosis of ≤2 or >2 mm, respectively on placental examination after birth. This exploratory study compared maternal characteristics, pregnancy outcome, placental characteristics, and ultrasound features between the two groups.

RESULTS

We included 40 sFGR placentas, 13 were classified as Type II and 27 as Type III. Maternal age was higher in Type II. Small Type II twins had lower birth weights (BWs) for gestational age and BW discordance was higher in Type II. Type III placentas were more unevenly divided, but Type III pairs differed less in BW than expected relative to their placental discordance. Type III placentas more commonly had a vein-to-vein anastomosis and larger artery-to-vein anastomoses than Type II placentas, and proximate cord insertions were only observed in Type III. On the ultrasound scan at first diagnosis, small Type II twins were more growth-restricted. An AA anastomosis was detected in half of the Type III cases and in none of the Type II group. Signs of high-output cardiac strain were observed only in large Type III twins. In contrast, placental dichotomy was detected in nearly half of the Type II cases and only one Type III case.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of an AA anastomosis, signs of cardiac strain in the large twin, and proximate cord insertions suggested Type III sFGR, whereas placental dichotomy and a severe growth restriction were typically present in Type II. Prospective studies need to validate if these markers help prenatal differentiation between Type II and III sFGR.