Twin-twin transfusion syndrome: neurodevelopment of infants treated with laser surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the neurodevelopmental functions of survivors of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated by fetoscopic laser coagulation (FLC), during the first year of life, comparing them to a control group; and to verify the influence of specific variables on neurodevelopment.


METHODS
This was a prospective, longitudinal study. The sample comprised 33 monochorionic diamniotic twins who underwent FLC for treatment of TTTS and 22 full-term infants of single-fetus pregnancies. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Screening Test were used for evaluation. Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal information were obtained.


RESULTS
There was an increased frequency of infants in the TTTS group with inadequate performance compared to the control group. The identified variables (fetal donor, low economic income and cardiorespiratory disease) negatively impacted expressive communication and fine motor skills.


CONCLUSIONS
Although through follow-up is recommended in all TTTS survivors, particular attention is required for the high-risk group as defined in this study.
Centro de Investigação em Pediatria, Departamento de Neurologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Denise
D
Campos
Centro de Investigação em Pediatria, Departamento de Neurologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Amabile V
AV
Arias
Centro de Investigação em Pediatria, Departamento de Neurologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Thatiane M
TM
Campos-Zanelli
Centro de Investigação em Pediatria, Departamento de Neurologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Daniela S
DS
Souza
Hospital da Mulher Prof. Dr. José Aristodemo Pinotti, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Orlando G
OG
Dos Santos Neto
Hospital da Mulher Prof. Dr. José Aristodemo Pinotti, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Cleisson Fabio A
CF
Peralta
Centro de Investigação em Pediatria, Departamento de Neurologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Marilisa M
MM
Guerreiro
D001034:Apgar Score; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000209:etiology; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005330:Fetofetal Transfusion / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005332:Fetoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000379:methods*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D065886:Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome