Less is more: does the addition of barrel staves improve results in endoscopic strip craniectomy for sagittal craniosynostosis?

OBJECTIVEEndoscopic strip craniectomy (ESC) with postoperative helmet orthosis is a well-established treatment option for sagittal craniosynostosis. There are many technical variations to the surgery ranging from simple strip craniectomy to methods that employ multiple cranial osteotomies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of lateral barrel-stave osteotomies during ESC improved morphological outcomes.METHODSAn IRB-approved retrospective review was conducted on a consecutive series of cases involving ESC for sagittal craniosynostosis at 2 different institutions from March 2008 to August 2014. The patients in Group A underwent ESC and those in Group B had ESC with lateral barrel-stave osteotomies. Demographic and perioperative data were recorded; postoperative morphological outcomes were analyzed using 3D laser scan data acquired from a single orthotic manufacturer who managed patients from both institutions.RESULTSA total of 73 patients were included (34 in Group A and 39 in Group B). Compared with Group B patients, Group A patients had a shorter mean anesthetic time (161.7 vs 195 minutes; p < 0.01) and operative time (71.6 vs 111 minutes; p < 0.01). The mean hospital stay was similar for the 2 groups (1.2 days for Group A vs 1.4 days for Group B; p = 0.1). Adequate postoperative data on morphological outcomes were reported by the orthotic manufacturer for 65 patients (29 in Group A and 36 in Group B). The 2 groups had similar improvement in the cephalic index (CI): Group A, mean change 10.5% (mean preoperative CI 72.6, final 80.4) at a mean follow-up of 13.2 months; Group B, mean change 12.2% (mean preoperative CI 71.0, final 79.6) at a mean follow-up of 19.4 months. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.15).CONCLUSIONSBoth ESC alone and ESC with barrel staving produced excellent outcomes. However, the addition of barrel staves did not improve the results and, therefore, may not be warranted in the endoscopic treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis.

Download Full-text

Which Surgical Method is More Effective in the Fifth Metatarsal Base Fracture?

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011417s000242 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011417S0002

Author(s):

Jun-Beom Kim ◽

Chi Ahn ◽

Byeong-Seop Park

Keyword(s):

Clinical Results ◽

Plate Group ◽

Group A ◽

The Mean ◽

The Difference ◽

Group B ◽

Clinical And Radiological Results ◽

Mean Time ◽

Screw Group

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiological results of internal fixation with headless cannulated screw and locking compression distal ulna hook plate for the fracture at the base of fifth metatarsal bone, Zone 1. Methods: From April 2012 to April 2015, thirty cases (29 patients) were evaluated retrospectively. The mean follow up periods was 13 months. There were divided two groups based on use of the screw (group A, n=15) or the plate (group B, n=15).We measured the displacement to diastasis of the fracture on the foot oblique radiographs taken pre- and post-operatively in each group, checked the time to bone union and the difference of the reduction distance in each group. Clinical results were evaluated using American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score at 12 months postoperative. Results: In group A, the mean time to union was 54.2±9.3 days, the mean displacement to diastasis improved to 0.3±0.4 mm postoperatively (p<0.001), and the mean reduction distance was 2.9±1.0 mm. In group B, the mean time to union was 41.5±7.0 days, the mean displacement to diastasis improved to 0.06±0.2 mm postoperatively (p<0.001), and the mean reduction distance was 4.1±1.6 mm. AOFAS score was verified 97.7±3.4 in group A and 98.2±3.2 in group B. The time to union was significantly different between groups A and B (p=0.01).There were no complications. Conclusion: We suggest that the plate is more effective method for the shorter union time in surgical treatment of fifth metatarsal base fractures.

Download Full-text

Postoperative radiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy (CT) in anaplastic astrocitoma (AA) patients.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2013.31.15_suppl.e13046 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e13046-e13046

Author(s):

Sonia Brugnara ◽

Lucianna Russo ◽

MariaChiara DiPasquale ◽

Michele Nagliati ◽

Gianpaolo Basso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Radical Surgery ◽

Postoperative Radiotherapy ◽

Consecutive Series ◽

Median Dose ◽

Limited Sample ◽

Group A ◽

The Mean ◽

Group B ◽

Mean Time

e13046 Background: Although the evidence for the benefit of adding temozolamide (TMZ) to RT is limited to glioblastoma patients (pts), there is currently an increased tendency toward a combined RT + TMZ approach also in AA patients. Methods: We report in this study the survival outcome of 2 groups of pts, treated at in 2 different periods at our institution with RT after surgery ± CT. GROUP A (years 1984-2001): pts treated with surgery followed by RT; GROUP B (YEARS 2004-2009): pts treated with surgery followed by radical RT and CT according to the STUPP’s protocol; Results: Data were retrospectively collected on a consecutive series: GROUP A: 17 pts: 10 Males (M), 7 Females (F); median age 50 years (range: 31-65). Ten out of 17 pts received radical surgery and 7 subtotal surgery. All were treated with postoperative RT, median dose 5082 cGy (range: 2160-6300). The mean time between surgery and beginning of RT was 44.7 days (range 20-87). GROUP B: 17 pts: 10 M, 7 F; median age 44 years (25-72). Eleven out 17 pts received radical surgery and 6 subtotal surgery. All were treated with postoperative RT, median dose 5800 cGy (range: 4000-600). The mean time between surgery and beginning of RT was 56.3 days (range 26-111). All patients received TMZ 75 mg/mq for a median of 6 weeks (range 3-7), followed by adjuvant treatment with TMZ (200 mg/mq) for a median of 5 cycles (range 0-13). At a median follow-up of 45 mos , the median OS was 29.1 mos for the group A and 49,1 mos for the group B. Among pts treated with RT + CT after surgery, median OS was significantly longer (p= 0.03), compared to those treated with only RT after surgery. Conclusions: The limited sample sizes of 2 groups and differences such as the median RT dose and the median time between surgery and RT, does not allow any conclusion. However, our data suggest that the combined RT-CT treatment is feasible in AA pts after surgery and may possibly contribute to a prolonged control of disease. These suggestions should be explored in a prospective randomized trial.

Download Full-text

Efficacy and Safety of Oral Ivermectin and Topical Permethrin in the Treatment of Scabies

TAJ Journal of Teachers Association ◽

10.3329/taj.v33i1.49824 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

pp. 41-47

Author(s):

Mohsena Akhter ◽

Ishrat Bhuiyan ◽

Zulfiqer Hossain Khan ◽

Mahfuza Akhter ◽

Gulam Kazem Ali Ahmad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skin Diseases ◽

Close Contact ◽

Randomized Study ◽

Sarcoptes Scabiei ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Common Skin ◽

Group A ◽

The Mean ◽

The Difference ◽

Group B

Background: Scabies is one of the most common skin diseases in our country. It is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, which is an ecto-parasite infesting the epidermis. Scabies is highly contagious. Prevalence is high in congested or densely populated areas. Individuals with close contact with an affected person should be treated with scabicidal which is available in both oral and topical formulations. The only oral but highly effective scabicidal known to date is Ivermectin. Amongst topical preparations, Permethrin 5 % cream is the treatment of choice. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy & safety of oral Ivermectin compared to topical Permethrin in the treatment of scabies. Methodology: This prospective, non-randomized study was conducted at the out-patient department of Dermatology and Venereology of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College & Hospital over a period of 6 months, from August 2016 to January 2017. The study population consisted of one hundred patients having scabies, enrolled according to inclusion criteria. They were divided into two groups. group A was subjected to oral Ivermectin and the group B to Permethrin 5% cream. Patients were followed up on day 7 and 14 for assessment of efficacy and safety. Result: The mean scoring with SD in group A (Ivermectin) and group B (Permethrin) were 8.26 ± 2.22 and 7.59 ± 2.01 respectively at the time of observation. The difference between the mean score of the two group is not significant (p=0.117) the mean scoring with SD in group A and group B were 4.54 ± 2.05 and 1.64 ± 1.84 respectively at 7thdays. The difference between the mean score of the two group is significant (p<0.001). The mean scoring with SD in group A and group B were 2.68± 2.35 and .36± 1.10 respectively at 14th day difference between the mean score of the group is significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Topical application of permethrin 5% cream is more effective and safer than oral Ivermectin in the treatment of scabies. TAJ 2020; 33(1): 41-47

Download Full-text

Modified Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Lengthening by Triple Hemisection for Achilles Tendon Contracture

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2019/1491796 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yangjing Lin ◽

Jin Cao ◽

Changgui Zhang ◽

Liu Yang ◽

Xiaojun Duan

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Recurrence Rate ◽

Operative Time ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Tendon Lengthening ◽

Group A ◽

Achilles Tendon Lengthening ◽

The Mean ◽

Group B

Background. Both percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening by triple hemisection and the traditional open Z-lengthening are effective methods for Achilles tendon contracture. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this new therapeutic method, which is based on the percutaneous sliding technique with three hemi-cuts in the tendon, as compared with the traditional open Z-lengthening. Methods. Retrospective analysis of the Achilles tendon contracture cases in our hospital between January 2010 and September 2016 was conducted. Twenty-five cases received percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening (group A), and 30 patients who underwent open Z-lengthening during the same period were in the control group (group B). Operative time and hospital stay were statistically analyzed. Incision complication, equinus recurrence rate and Achilles tendon rupture morbidity were recorded. The function was assessed by American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. All cases in group A received Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of ankle preoperatively and in the follow-ups. Results. The mean follow-up period was 42.04 months in group A and 61.7 months in group B. The entire operative time and the mean hospitalization days were lower in group A than in group B. No incision and infection complication occurred in group A. The infection rate in group B was 3.3%. Equinus recurrence rate was 4% in group A and the equinus recurrence rate in group B was 21.4%. In group A, the mean AOFAS score increased from 64 ± 10.16 points preoperatively to 96.08 ± 3.17 at final follow-up, while the score in group B increased from 63.48 ± 6.2 points to 85.4 ± 10.3. MRI showed continuity of the Achilles tendon and homogeneous signal in group A. Conclusion. Modified surgery can significantly reduce the risk of Achilles tendon rupture, provide better balance in soft tissue strength between ankle dorsiflexion and ankle plantarflexion, helping to avoid recurrence of the deformity.

Download Full-text

Comparison Between With Kirschner-wires Only And Combined Screw Fixation in Proximal Reverse Chevron osteotomy(PCMO) For Hallux Valgus Deformity

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011417s000231 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011417S0002

Author(s):

Hwa Jun Kang ◽

Hong-Geun Jung ◽

Jong-Soo Lee ◽

Sungwook Kim ◽

Mao Yuan Sun

Keyword(s):

Hallux Valgus ◽

Screw Fixation ◽

Fixation Method ◽

Kirschner Wires ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

The Mean ◽

Group B ◽

Severe Hallux Valgus

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Kirschner-wires fixation, sometimes we have encountered pin irritation or pull-out. This is the reason why we consider additional fixation. Moreover, there are few reports according to comparison of fixation method, and Most of them focused on comparison K-wires or screw fixation only. Purpose of study is to compare clinical and radiographic outcome between Kirschner-wires only and combined screw fixation. Methods: The study included two different groups according to fixation methods. One with Kirschner-wires fixation (KW group) included 117 feet(of 98 patients), the other with combined screw fixation (KWS group) 56 feet (of 40 patients) with moderate to severe hallux valgus. Clinically, the preoperative and final follow-up visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, the preoperative and final follow-up American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP)-interphalangeal (IP) scores, and patient satisfaction after the surgery were evaluated. Radiographically, the hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), medial sesamoid position (MSP), and first to fifth metatarsal width (1-5MTW) were analyzed before and after surgery. Results: The mean AOFAS score improved preoperative 65.5 to 95.3 at final follow up in group A, while preoperative 56.5 to 88.6 at final follow up. Pain VAS decreased from 5.7 to 0.5 in group A, whereas from 6.2 to 1.6 in group B. The mean HVA all improved from preoperative 38.5 to 9.3 at final follow up in group A and 34.7 to 9.1 in group B. The mean IMA and MSP also improved significantly at final follow up. In comparative analysis, the IMA did not show significant difference between postoperative and final state in group A, while showed significant increase in group B. Conclusion: We achieved favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes with minimal complications in patient with moderate to severe hallux valgus in both groups. However, this study shows no statistically significant difference in IMA during follow-up period and lower recurrence rate. Therefore we need to consider combined fixation method to provide better stability and can expect lower recurrence rate.

Download Full-text

Influence of Ulnar Bow Sign on Surgical Treatment of Missed Bado Type I Monteggia Fracture in Children

10.21203/rs.3.rs-101496/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shijie Liao ◽

Tiantian Wang ◽

Qian Huang ◽

Yun Liu ◽

Rongbin Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Treatment ◽

Radial Head ◽

Monteggia Fracture ◽

Type I ◽

Ulnar Osteotomy ◽

Group A ◽

The Mean ◽

Group B ◽

Stable Reduction

Abstract PurposeThe present study aimed to explore the influence of ulnar bow on the surgical treatment of Bado type I missed Monteggia fracture in children.MethodsThis study is a retrospective review of 24 patients between November 2010 and March 2019. All patients were treated with open reduction of the radial head and ulnar opening wedge osteotomy without annular ligament reconstruction. The mean interval between injury onset and surgery was five months (range: 2–12 months). The average age of participants at the time of surgery was 6.4 years (range: 3–10 years). We evaluated the maximum ulnar bow (MUB) and MUB position (P-MUB) via radiography. The patients were divided into middle group (group A: 14 cases, MUB located at 40% to 60% of the distal ulna) and distal group (group B: 10 cases, MUB located at 20% to 40% from the distal end of the ulna) based on P-MUB. The mean period of follow-up was 37 months (range: 6–102 months).ResultsAt the last follow-up, all the children showed stable reduction of the radial head, and the flexion function of elbow joint improved after operation (P<0.05). Group A presented a larger the ratio of maximum ulnar bow(R-MUB) and angle of ulnar osteotomy(OA) than group B (P<0.05). There was statistically significant difference between group A and Group B in the P-MUB (P < 0.05). The osteotomy angle was positively correlated with the R-MUB (R2 =0.497,P=0.013), The osteotomy angle was positively correlated with the P-MUB (R2=0.731,P=0.000), The R-MUB is proportional to the P-MUB (R2 =0.597,P=0.002). The regression equation of P-MUB and osteotomy angle: Angle=7.064+33.227* P-MUB (R2=0.459, P =0.000).ConclusionWhen the ulnar bow is positioned at the middle ulna, a stable reduction of radial head need to be achieved through a larger angle in the ulnar osteotomy. If the position of maximum ulnar bow (P-MUB) is closer to the middle of the ulna or the ratio of maximum ulnar bow (R-MUB) is larger, the osteotomy angle is larger.

Download Full-text

Banded Sleeve Gastrectomy Improves Weight Loss Compared to Nonbanded Sleeve: Midterm Results from a Prospective Randomized Study

Journal of Obesity ◽

10.1155/2020/9792518 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Paolo Gentileschi ◽

Emanuela Bianciardi ◽

Leandro Siragusa ◽

Valeria Tognoni ◽

Domenico Benavoli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Loss ◽

Sleeve Gastrectomy ◽

Weight Regain ◽

Randomized Study ◽

Banded Sleeve Gastrectomy ◽

Group A ◽

The Mean ◽

Group B ◽

To Receive

Background. Weight regain after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is nowadays a growing concern. Sleeve dilatation and loss of food restriction is considered the main mechanism. The placement of a silicon ring around the gastric tube seems to give benefits in the short term. We report the results of a randomized study comparing LSG and laparoscopic banded sleeve gastrectomy (LBSG) over a 4-year follow-up. Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy of banded sleeve gastrectomy compared to standard sleeve in the midterm. Methods. Between 01/2014 and 01/2015, we randomly assigned 50 patients to receive one of the two procedures. Patients’ management was exactly the same, apart from the band placement. We analyzed differences in weight loss, operative time, complication rate, and mortality, with a median follow-up of 4 years. Results. Twenty five patients were assigned to receive LSG (Group A) and 25 LBSG (Group B). The mean preoperative BMI (body mass index) was 47.3 ± 6.58 kg/m2 and 45.95 ± 5.85 kg/m2, respectively. There was no significant difference in the operative time. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. At 12-month follow-up, the mean BMI was 29.72 ± 4.40 kg/m2 in Group A and 27.42 ± 4.47 kg/m2 in Group B (p=0.186). After a median follow-up of 4 years, the mean BMI in Group B was significantly lower than Group A (24.10 ± 4.52 kg/m2 vs 28.80 ± 4.62 kg/m2; p=0.00199). Conclusions. LBSG is a safe procedure, with no impact on postoperative complications. The banded sleeve showed a significant greater weight loss in the midterm follow-up. Considering the issue of weight regain observed after LSG, the placement of a perigastric ring during the first procedure may be a strategy to improve the results. This trial is registered with NCT04228185.

Download Full-text

Tethered cord syndrome in adults

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2011.4.spine10504 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 258-270 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Jörg Klekamp

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Tethered Cord ◽

Tethered Cord Syndrome ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Short Term ◽

Group A ◽

The Mean ◽

Group B

Object The treatment of tethered cord syndromes in adults is discussed regarding the natural history and surgical indications. The author analyzes data obtained in patients who were diagnosed with a tethered cord in adulthood and either underwent surgical or conservative therapy between 1991 and 2009. Methods Since 1991, data obtained in 2515 patients with spinal cord pathologies were entered into the spinal cord database, and prospective follow-up was performed through outpatient visits and questionnaires. Of the 2515 patients, 85 adults with a tethered cord syndrome formed the basis of this study. The tethering effect was caused either by a split cord malformation, a thick filum terminale, a conus medullaris lipoma with extradural extension, or various combinations of these mechanisms. The mean age of the patients was 46 ± 13 years (range 23–74 years) and the mean follow-up duration was 61 ± 62 months. Two groups were distinguished based on the absence (Group A, 43 patients) or presence (Group B, 42 patients) of an associated lipoma or dysraphic cyst (that is, dermoid, epidermoid, or neurenteric cyst). Surgery was recommended for patients with symptoms only. Short-term results were determined within 3 months of surgery, whereas long-term outcomes (clinical recurrences) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier statistics. Results For all patients, pain was the most common major complaint. Severe neurological deficits were rare. In Group A, 20 of 43 patients underwent surgery, whereas in Group B 23 of 42 patients underwent surgery. Among individuals who did not undergo surgery, 17 patients refused surgery and 25 patients underwent recommended conservative treatment. Short-term postoperative results indicated a significant improvement of pain and a stabilization of neurological symptoms. Long-term results showed a good prognosis in patients in whom first-time (that is, nonrevision) surgery achieved successful untethering, with a 10-year rate of neurological stabilization in 89% of Group A and a 10-year rate of neurological stabilization in 81% of Group B patients. The benefit of secondary operations in Group B was limited, with eventual clinical deterioration occurring in all patients within 10 years. For patients treated conservatively, follow-up information could be obtained in 33 of 42 patients. Twenty-eight patients remained in stable clinical condition. Only 5 of the conservatively treated patients experienced clinical deterioration over time; in 4 of these individuals with deterioration, surgery had been recommended but was refused by the patient. The clinical recurrence rate in all conservatively treated patients was 21% after 10 years. With a recommendation for surgery this figure rose to 47% within 5 years. Conclusions Surgery in adult patients with a tethered cord syndrome should be reserved for those with symptoms. In surgically treated patients, pain relief can often be achieved, and long-term neurological stabilization tends to persist more often than it does in conservatively treated patients. A conservative approach is warranted, however, in adult patients without neurological deficits. Revision surgery in patients with complex dysraphic lesions should be performed in exceptional cases only.

Download Full-text

Hiatoplasty with Crura Buttressing versus Hiatoplasty Alone during Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Gastroenterology Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2017/6565403 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Andrea Balla ◽

Silvia Quaresima ◽

Pietro Ursi ◽

Ardit Seitaj ◽

Livia Palmieri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sleeve Gastrectomy ◽

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy ◽

Esophageal Hiatus ◽

Consecutive Series ◽

Obese Patients ◽

Mesh Placement ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Introduction. In obese patients with hiatal hernia (HH), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) with cruroplasty is an option but use of prosthetic mesh crura reinforcement is debated. The aim was to compare the results of hiatal closure with or without mesh buttressing during LSG. Methods. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was assessed by the Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire before and after surgery in two consecutive series of patients with esophageal hiatus ≤ 4 cm2. After LSG, patients in group A (12) underwent simple cruroplasty, whereas in group B patients (17), absorbable mesh crura buttressing was added. Results. At mean follow-up of 33.2 and 18.1 months for groups A and B, respectively (p=0.006), the mean preoperative GERD-HRQL scores of 16.5 and 17.7 (p=0.837) postoperatively became 9.5 and 2.4 (p=0.071). In group A, there was no difference between pre- and postoperative scores (p=0.279), whereas in group B, a highly significant difference was observed (p=0.002). The difference (Δ) comparing pre- and postoperative mean scores between the two groups was significantly in favor of mesh placement (p=0.0058). Conclusions. In obese patients with HH and mild-moderate GERD, reflux symptoms are significantly improved at medium term follow-up after cruroplasty with versus without crura buttressing during LSG.

Download Full-text

Umbilical vein volume flow in monochorionic twin pairs at 11–14 weeks

Journal of Perinatal Medicine ◽

10.1515/jpm-2013-0162 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 42 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maria Angelica Zoppi ◽

Ambra Iuculano ◽

Giovanni Monni

Keyword(s):

Umbilical Vein ◽

First Trimester ◽

Volume Flow ◽

Crown Rump Length ◽

Normal Outcome ◽

Group A ◽

The Mean ◽

The Difference ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

AbstractWe investigated the umbilical vein volume flow (UVVF) at 11–14 weeks in monochorionic-diamniotic (MCDA) twins, focusing on the occurrence of complications. We considered 87 MCDA pregnancies. We used “E-flow” to detect the umbilical vein and measured the mean velocities and diameters of veins, also calculating the UVVF. Pregnancies were divided into four groups: a (twin-to-twin transfusion, TTTS); b (selective intrauterine growth restriction, sIUGR); c (discordance of fluid, DF); and d (with “normal” outcome). The main outcome of the study was the assessment of the difference of UVVF between twin 1 and twin 2 (larger and smaller twin). In eight of eight pairs of group a and seven of seven pairs of group b, the UVVF of fetuses 1 were significantly different than fetuses 2 (P<0.05). The UVVFs of fetuses 2 of group a were significantly lower in respect to the UVVFs of fetuses 2 of group d (P<0.05). We provide evidence of an important difference in UVVF in pairs that successively developed TTTS or sIUGR. The smaller fetuses of group a (TTTS) showed a lower venous return than fetuses 2 of group d (normal). First-trimester UVVF is lower in fetuses with a smaller crown-rump length in twin pairs at risk of TTTS or IUGR.

Download Full-text