The North American Fetal Therapy Network Registry data on outcomes of radiofrequency ablation for twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence.

OBJECTIVE

To report the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet) Registry data on the outcomes of using radiofrequency ablation to treat twin-reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP).

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of the records of all patients who underwent percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of an acardiac twin after referral to 12 NAFTNet institutions between 1998 and 2008. Maternal, fetal and neonatal data were analyzed. The primary outcome was neonatal survival to 30 days of age. All participating sites conducted this study under institutional review board approval.

RESULTS

Of the 98 patients identified, there were no maternal deaths and no women required blood transfusions. Most women (76 of 98; 78%) stayed in the hospital for ≤1 day after the procedure. Mean gestational age at delivery was 33.4 weeks overall and 36.0 weeks for survivors. Median gestational age at delivery was 37.0 weeks. Survival of the pump twin to 30 days was 80% in the overall cohort.

CONCLUSION

The NAFTNet registry data suggest that radiofrequency ablation of the acardiac twin is an effective treatment for TRAP sequence.