Treatment of twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence with alcohol ablation or bipolar cord coagulation.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by TRAP sequence.

METHODS

The perinatal outcomes of 15 TRAP sequence pregnancies referred to Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Research and Teaching Hospital, Turkey, were evaluated. Six cases were treated conservatively. Alcohol ablation and bipolar coagulation were performed in 5 and 4 cases, respectively.

RESULTS

In 12 cases, there were signs of fetal compromise and acardiac/pump twin abdominal circumference ratio of more than 50%. In 3 cases without intervention, the ratio was less than 50%. Three of the 6 pregnancies treated conservatively resulted in intrauterine death of the pump twin. Alcohol ablation was successful in 3 cases, with delivery of live fetuses at 36-38 weeks, whereas intrauterine death occurred in 1 case and abortion occurred in 1 case. In 2 of the cases involving bipolar cord coagulation, live birth occurred at 39 weeks; preterm premature rupture of membranes and abortion occurred at 18 weeks in 1 case, and pregnancy was terminated in 1 case because of ventriculomegaly.

CONCLUSION

Conservative therapy is suitable for mild cases of TRAP sequence in which the pump twin dominates. If there are signs of pump twin compromise, alcohol ablation and bipolar cord coagulation can be performed successfully.