title: Is the Sequential Laser Technique for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Truly Superior to the Standard Selective Technique? A Meta-Analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the efficacy of sequential laser coagulation in the treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).
  
  
  METHODS
  MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for comparative studies on the efficacy of sequential versus standard selective laser coagulation for TTTS. The primary outcome measure in these studies was survival of at least one twin, both twins and fetal demise.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three cohort studies comparing the selective laser treatment technique (n = 120) versus the sequential technique (n = 224) in 344 monochorionic twin pregnancies were included. Mean survival of at least one twin was 88% in the selective group versus 92% (p = 0.22) in the sequential group. Mean survival of both twins was lower in the selective group (52%) than in the sequential group (75%) (p = 0.002). Donor fetal demise decreased from 34% in the selective to 10% in the sequential group (p < 0.01), and recipient fetal demise decreased from 16 to 7% (p = 0.02).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Limited evidence suggests improved double neonatal survival as well as decreased donor and recipient fetal demise with the use of the sequential technique. However, these results are based on small non-randomized studies with evident forms of bias and methodological limitations. A randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of sequential laser technique is therefore required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Joost
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Akkermans
authors.forename: Suzanne H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Peeters
authors.forename: Frans J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Klumper
authors.forename: Johanna M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Middeldorp
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lopriore
authors.forename: Dick
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Oepkes
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005330:Fetofetal Transfusion / Q000601:surgery*; D005332:Fetoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D059285:Pregnancy, Twin; D016896:Treatment Outcome