Accepted Manuscript Subsequent fertility, pregnancy and gynecologic outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome compared to normal monochorionic twin gestations Simen Vergote, MD, Liesbeth Lewi, MD PhD, Willem Gheysen, MD, Luc de Catte, MD PhD, Roland Devlieger, MD PhD, Jan Deprest, MD PhD PII:
S0002-9378(18)30016-4
DOI:
10.1016/j.ajog.2018.01.013
Reference:
YMOB 12039
To appear in:
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Received Date: 11 October 2017 Revised Date:
2 January 2018
Accepted Date: 8 January 2018
Please cite this article as: Vergote S, Lewi L, Gheysen W, de Catte L, Devlieger R, Deprest J, Subsequent fertility, pregnancy and gynecologic outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy for twintwin transfusion syndrome compared to normal monochorionic twin gestations, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2018), doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.01.013. This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Reproductive outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy – Vergote S. et al.
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TITLE: Subsequent fertility, pregnancy and gynecologic outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy for
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twin-twin transfusion syndrome compared to normal monochorionic twin gestations
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Authors: Simen VERGOTE, MD1, Liesbeth LEWI, MD PhD1, Willem GHEYSEN, MD1, Luc DE CATTE, MD
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PhD1, Roland DEVLIEGER, MD PhD1, Jan DEPREST, MD PhD1,2
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Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven,
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Leuven, Belgium
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Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium, and Department of
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Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK
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Disclosure statement: The authors report no conflict of interest.
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Financial support: Research into complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies is funded by
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the Klinische Onderzoeks- en Opleidings Raad (KOOR) of the UZ Leuven and the starter’s
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fund of the KU Leuven (LL). RD is a fundamental clinical researcher for the Fonds
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Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Vlaanderen (1803311N ). JDP is supported by the Great
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Ormond Street Hospital Charity Fund and the Wellcome / EPSRC funding the GIFT-Surg
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research project.
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Corresponding author:
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Jan DEPREST, MD PhD
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Department of Development and Regeneration
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Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
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Tel: +32 16 34 46 04 – Fax: +32 16 34 42 05
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E-mail:
[email protected]
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Word count: Abstract 327 words; Main text 2708 words
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IMPLICATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
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Fetoscopic laser coagulation is the current first line treatment for twin-to-twin transfusion
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syndrome, yet long term maternal outcomes are poorly documented. We compared
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reproductive, obstetric, gynecologic and psychological outcomes in women who previously
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underwent laser to those of women with uncomplicated monochorionic (MC) twins. No
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adverse medium-term reproductive nor gynecologic adverse events were self-reported,
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however psychological or emotional problems are more frequent than in women with
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uncomplicated MC twins. This mainly affects women who lost one or more fetuses in the
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index pregnancy. This should prompt our attention beyond the limits of the index gestation
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with
active
identification
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support
of
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CONDENSATION
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Patients who underwent fetoscopic laser coagulation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
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do not report adverse medium-term reproductive nor gynecologic adverse events, yet more
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psychological problems.
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SHORT TITLE
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Reproductive outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy
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ABSTRACT
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BACKGROUND: An improved survival and quality of life for neonatal survivors after
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fetoscopic laser therapy (FLC) for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) has been reported.
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However, little is known about the medium-term maternal effects after FLC with respect to
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reproductive and gynecologic outcomes.
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OBJECTIVE: To document reproductive, obstetric, gynecologic and psychological outcomes in
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women who underwent FLC for TTTS.
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STUDY DESIGN: Monocentric controlled study on consecutive women who underwent FLC
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for TTTS between 2007 and 2013 at the University Hospitals Leuven (cases; n=198). Controls
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were women followed for an uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin
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pregnancy and with uneventful course during the same time period (controls; n=211). All
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patients received a questionnaire enquiring on their fertility, later pregnancies and
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gynecologic outcomes.
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RESULTS: The response rate was 50.4% (cases: n=95; controls: n=109). Most baseline
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characteristics were similar across both groups. Women in the FLC group attempted more
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frequently a new pregnancy (34% (31/92) versus 21% (22/107) in controls; p<0.05) and
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became more often pregnant (100% (31/31) versus 82% (18/22); p<0.05).We observed a
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shorter inter-pregnancy interval in cases than controls (median interval: 12 (IQR 5-27) versus
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24 (IQR 15-30) months; p<0.05). This was also observed in cases who lost one or more
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fetuses or babies in the index pregnancy (median interval: 9 (IQR 3.5-25.5) months; p<0.05).
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The complication rate during subsequent pregnancies (26% (8/31); versus 11% (2/19);
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p=0.194) and at delivery (17% (5/30) versus 11% (2/19); p=0.554) were comparable. More
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women who underwent FLC reported relevant psychological symptoms (44% (40/92) versus
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21% (23/107); p<0.05). When only women were considered in whom there was a double
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surviving twin pair, there were no differences in psychological symptoms compared to
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controls (16% (15/55) versus 21% (23/107); p=0.411). Gynecologic problems were equally
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frequent in both groups (20% (18/92) versus 31% (33/107); p=0.069).
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CONCLUSION: No adverse medium-term maternal effects with respect to fertility, obstetric
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and gynecologic outcomes were observed after FLC. However, these women reported more
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psychological or emotional problems than women with MCDA without FLC.
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KEYWORDS
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fetoscopic laser coagulation / fertility / gynecologic outcome / pregnancy outcome /
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psychological outcome / twin-twin transfusion syndrome
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INTRODUCTION Monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins comprise 20-30% of spontaneous and 4-5%
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of iatrogenic twin gestations. In those, the risk for perinatal complications is much greater
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than in dichorionic twins and singletons pregnancies.1,2 This is due to the presence of
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vascular anastomoses connecting the fetal circulations which are responsible for a range of
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pregnancy complications, including twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). About 10% of
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MCDA twin pregnancies are affected by TTTS, a serious complication characterized by
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unbalanced feto-fetal transfusion over the chorionic plate anastomoses.1,3–5 Because TTTS
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typically occurs in the pre-viable period, its prognosis is dismal without treatment.
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Polyhydramnios-related miscarriage or the preterm birth of two sick neonates is common, as
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well as intrauterine demise of one or both twins.4,5 Fetoscopic laser coagulation (FLC) of
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chorionic plate anastomoses combined with amnioreduction has been shown to be the best
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first line treatment for this condition.3,6
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Though a lot of research has shown improved survival and quality of life for survivors
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after fetoscopic laser surgery, there are to our knowledge no studies on their mother’s later
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reproductive, obstetrical and gynecologic outcomes. Given the likelihood of a less than
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perfect fetal or neonatal outcome, or the simple fact of increased stress by intensive follow
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up with many uncertainties, the psychological impact on individual families may be
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significant. Herein, we aimed to investigate such effects in women with monochorionic twins
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who earlier had FLC as compared to women with uncomplicated monochorionic twins.
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MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a single centre study conducted at the Fetal Medicine Unit of the University
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Hospitals Leuven. We searched our database for patients who underwent fetoscopic laser
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coagulation (FLC) for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) between 2007 to 2013 (cases).
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As controls, we selected patients with MCDA pregnancies who, following the diagnosis of
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monochorionicity in the first trimester, were managed at our unit during the same time
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span. Furthermore, we selected those pregnancies who were not complicated by TTTS, intra-
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uterine growth restriction (IUGR), twin-anemia polycytemia syndrome (TAPS) or discordant
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anomaly and without fetal or neonatal loss.1 The medical records were searched for
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maternal age, parity prior to the index pregnancy and loss of either or both twins during the
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index pregnancy or neonatal period.
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Patients were sent an invitation to participate, with comprehensive information and
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a questionnaire (Appendix 1 and 2). Consenting patients were left the choice to either fill out
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this survey online, using LimeSurvey (version 2.00+ Build 130708, The LimeSurvey Project
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Team, Hamburg, Germany) or using a hard copy to be returned in a prepaid envelope. The
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survey was based on a questionnaire used in a previous study on patients undergoing
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fetoscopic surgery for severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia.7 That questionnaire was in
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turn based on earlier used surveys on patients undergoing open maternal fetal surgery.8 The
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survey consisted of 19 multiple choice questions (MCQ), 5 questions with a standardized
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format reply (SFR), and 11 open questions (OQ). The first segment of the survey (3 MCQ, 2
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SFR, 1 OQ) covered the desire to further conceive after the index pregnancy and the time
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interval until conception. There was also possibility to indicate whether there was a
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relationship between the problem in the index pregnancy (monochorionicity per se, or any
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of its complications) and the decision (not) to conceive again. The second segment (11 MCQ,
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4 OQ) queried the outcomes of later pregnancies (number of fetuses, gestational age at
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birth, delivery method, weight at birth, occurrence of congenital anomalies) as well as
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obstetric complications during pregnancy or labor with a specific enquiry to complications
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which could relate to the uterine scar, and fertility problems (pre-existent or new problems,
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need for assisted reproduction technology). In the third segment (1 MCQ, 1 OQ), patients
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were requested to report on psychological problems they experienced after the index
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pregnancy and on the possible relationship with that pregnancy. The fourth segment (4
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MCQ, 3 SFR, 4 OQ) asked for gynecologic problems after the index pregnancy (abnormal
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menstruations, lower abdominal pain, others). Patients also had the option to provide
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contact information of their treating physician when consenting for additional information
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being asked to their physician. The questionnaire finished by an open question (1 OQ) in
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which the patients could add any other problems that they thought might have occurred
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after the index pregnancy, yet not covered by the previous questions. The questionnaire was
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available in Dutch, French and English; translations were done by native speakers. This study
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was approved by the Ethics Committee on clinical studies of the UZ Leuven (S59805).
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The answers of the surveys were pooled in a Microsoft Excel database (Microsoft
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Corp, Redmond, WA, USA) by the primary author and analysed using SPSS (v.24; IBM
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Software, Inc., Armonk, NY, USA). All data are reported as number, percentage, median and
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interquartile range (IQR). Categorical variables were analysed by the Pearson chi-square test,
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subgroups were analysed by the Mann-Whitney U test; the numerical variables were
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analysed by the Mann-Whitney U test. Patients with missing data were excluded from
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analysis and detailed in tables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.
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RESULTS We identified a total of 409 patients, 198 cases and 211 controls, in our database.
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Table 1 displays the demographic variables for cases versus controls. Per definition, controls
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experienced no fetal or neonatal loss. The interval between the index delivery and survey
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was significantly longer (+6 months) in controls than for a median interval of 74 months in
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cases. There was also a difference in geographical background. Cases were less likely to be
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further managed at our unit (69% (134/198) following FLC since they were referred back,
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whereas controls were by definition patients managed locally throughout their pregnancy
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(100% (211/211); p<0.05).
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Four patients were not invited because of insufficient contact information (two cases
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and one control) or unrelated maternal death (one control) (Figure 1). Therefore 405 women
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were eventually contacted between January 2017 and June 2017, initially by e-mail, in case
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of bounce back or missing contact, through a letter, and in the absence of a reply, by
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telephone. Ten women refused to participate in the study (6 cases and 4 controls) and were
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included in the non-responders. We received 95 surveys from cases and 109 controls by six
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months after the start of the study (response rate 50.4%).
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Table 1 displays demographic variables of respondents versus non-respondents.
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There were no significant differences except that there were more responders managed
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locally (in the University Hospitals Leuven), irrespective of their group assignment. Also the
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interval between the index delivery and survey was comparable. The response rate in
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women treated for TTTS was comparable to that of women with uncomplicated MCDA
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pregnancies (48% (95/196) versus 52% (109/209); p=0.459).
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Three surveys of cases and two of controls were eventually discarded because of
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incomplete answers or obvious inconsistencies in their answers (2% (5/204)). This left
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answers from 199 women. Table 2 displays their reproductive outcomes. Following the index
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pregnancy, cases were more likely to attempt a new pregnancy than controls (34% (31/92)
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versus 21% (22/107), respectively; p<0.05). There was no difference in parity at baseline in
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these patients. Women who were known to have lost one or two fetuses or babies following
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laser coagulation, attempted more frequently a new pregnancy compared to those who did
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not experience fetal or neonatal loss (79% (26/33) versus 7% (4/55), respectively; p<0.05).
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There were no de novo infertility problems: of those attempting to conceive, more women
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in the FLC group became pregnant (100% (31/31) versus 82% (18/22) in controls; p<0.05).
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Twelve participants became pregnant by assisted reproductive technology (ART); however,
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they required ART before. Women having undergone FLC attempted a new pregnancy earlier
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than controls (median interval 12 (IQR 5-27) versus 24 (IQR 15-30) months; p<0.05). This
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difference was also observed when only comparing cases who lost one or two fetuses or
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babies in the index pregnancy to controls (median interval 9 (IQR 3.5-25.5) months; p<0.05).
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Table 3 displays details on these 67 subsequent pregnancies (44 cases and 23
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controls). In the first gestation after the index pregnancy, there was no difference in first
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trimester losses (13% (4/31) in cases versus 16% (3/19) in controls; p=0.777). One control
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patient had an unplanned pregnancy ending in an induced abortion in the first trimester for
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social reasons. There were no second or third trimester losses observed in either groups.
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Forty-two women delivered beyond viability. There was no difference in weight at birth of
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the first baby after the index pregnancy (median 3.47 (IQR 3.12-3.65) versus 3.65 (IQR 3.29-
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3.80) kilograms; p=0.331). Fourteen women reported at least one complication during
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subsequent pregnancies or during delivery of those pregnancies, as detailed in Table 4.
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One hundred and forty-six women did not wish to conceive again (66% (61/92) in
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cases versus 79% (85/107) in controls; p<0.05). In both groups, there were as many women
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who indicated that this decision was related to events in the index pregnancy (15% (9/61)
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versus 6% (5/85); p=0.074). They reported as reasons fear for new pregnancy complications
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(5/9 cases and 0/5 controls), psychological distress persisting since the index pregnancy (4/9
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and 2/5), care for the baby or babies (1/9 and 2/5) or because of completion of the family
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(2/5 controls). Those women from both groups who chose not to conceive again were of the
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same age (median 37.4 years in cases versus 37.9 years in controls; p=0.802). One of these
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women mentioned that this was due to her age; she was in the laser group (12.5% (1/8)
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versus 0% in controls (0/5); p=0.724). There were no cases or controls who indicated that
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the need for IVF impacted their decision.
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Fifty-one women report gynaecological problems after the index pregnancy, as
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detailed in Table 4. Women from both groups did report similar rates of problems (20%
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(18/92) in cases versus 31% (33/107) in controls; p=0.069). Psychological and emotional
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problems are detailed in Table 4. They were more commonly reported by women
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undergoing laser (44% (40/92)) than by controls (21% (23/107); p<0.05). Problems most
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commonly reported were anxiety concerning the health of the index baby/babies or fear for
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repetition and feelings of guilt. Nineteen cases (20%) reported grieving the loss of a child.
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Other problems were a depressed mood and a variety of other feelings difficult to grasp in a
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single common denominator (details in Appendix 3). When only women were considered in
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whom there was a double surviving twin pair, there were no differences in psychological and
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emotional problems (16% (15/55) versus 21% (23/107); p=0.411).
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COMMENT We did not identify significant differences in subsequent fertility, pregnancy and
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gynecologic outcomes between patients who had FLC and patients with uncomplicated
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MCDA pregnancies. However, following laser surgery, psychological or emotional problems
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were more common. This coincided with the loss of either one or both twins in the index
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pregnancy. Grieving the loss of a child, anxiety and feelings of guilt seem to play an
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important role, whereas a depressed mood was evenly reported in both groups.
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Apart from the potential immediate complications of fetoscopic surgery during the
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index pregnancy, there is the theoretical concern for an impact on later reproductive life. In
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this study, almost twice as many women from the FLC group attempted another pregnancy
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and reassuringly all were successful in achieving this. Their desire to conceive again we tie to
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the loss of one or both babies due to TTTS: the vast majority of women (79% (26/33)) who
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lost one or more babies attempted another pregnancy, as compared to only 7% of women
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who did take home two babies (p<0.05). Those women who had a laser, and who
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experienced a loss, attempted to conceive even earlier than those who had a successful
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pregnancy outcome (9 vs. 12 months). Conversely, the majority of those who did not wish to
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conceive again, did not indicate this decision was related to events in the index pregnancy.
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The primary concern of open maternal-fetal surgery is uterine dehiscence (14%) and
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rupture (14%).8 This should be less after fetoscopic surgery, which essentially uses a 2.3 to 5
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mm access to the uterus.9,10 In this study using self-reported outcomes, no uterine ruptures
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were mentioned by our patients. One woman in each group indicated there was some
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problem with a uterine scar. In the control group that problem was in retrospect related to a
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caesarean section scar. One woman who underwent laser surgery indicated that the
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“fetoscopic scar led to adhesions and constipation”. However, this was an interpretation,
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and there was no indication in the medical records for this complaint to be a dehiscence or
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threatening rupture. One out of four participants reported gynecologic problems of any kind, yet without a
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different likelihood in groups. This is somewhat higher than in our previous study in
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singletons undergoing fetoscopic surgery, though patients in both studies were of
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comparable age (37 years).7 One explanation might be that caesarean deliveries are more
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often performed in twin pregnancies than in pregnancies with CDH (which are usually
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singleton pregnancies). Women who previously had a caesarean delivery report more
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frequently abdominal pain and abnormal bleeding.11,12
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Four out of ten women who underwent laser reported subsequent psychologic and
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emotional problems. This number is comparable to what we observed in women who gave
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birth to a baby with CDH.7 The most logical reason for that seems to us a problematic
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outcome in the index pregnancy. We are strengthened in this interpretation by the fact that
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this difference disappeared when comparing cases with two surviving infants to our controls
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(who per definition experienced no loss). Nevertheless, an uncomplicated monochorionic
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diamniotic pregnancy seemed to have a psychological impact as well. One in five women
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indicated such problems. Therefore, it seems that psychological support should be liberally
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offered to women with monochorionic twins, even in the absence of TTTS. Other studies
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show that multiple births often have an impact on the mental health of parents, resulting in
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depression, anxiety and parenting stress.13
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We acknowledge a number of weaknesses to our study. First, there was a difference
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in geographical background, yet this is because we perform surgery on patients who come
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from all over Europe. They may have another cultural background and cope with such
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problems differently. The majority of respondents are from Belgium, so conclusions on our
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study population may only apply locally. Second, the response rate was less than desirable,
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yet is acceptable and more than what we observed in a similar study on mothers with
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fetuses with CDH (40%).7 Third, we did not use condition specific and validated
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questionnaires. In their absence, we modified a questionnaire that was used before by
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Wilson et al for women undergoing open fetal surgery, for studying women undergoing
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endoscopic fetal surgery for CDH.7,8 Fourth, it should be noted that complications are self-
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reported and not validated by a physician. This may lead to inaccuracies of the occurrence,
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nature and severity of some medical complications. Another limitation is that many of the
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psychological problems were not categorized, as they appeared to be of variable nature.
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Given the relevance and high likelihood of a psychological impact, it would be interesting in
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future studies to use validated instruments for the assessment of the long-term
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psychological impact. Sixth, though we have a fairly high number of patients, the sample size
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might still be too low to make conclusions on rare complications or regarding events that do
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not occur in both groups. With these numbers, statistics become unreliable for very rare
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complications or for events, such as fetal losses, that are confined to one specific group
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(women who underwent FLC). Though we observed differences in psychologic impact and
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interval to next pregnancy in women with loss(es), it is possible that we underestimate its
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magnitude. Finally, there were ten women who refused to participate (6 cases and 4
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controls). That number is not insignificant. If these women would be the ones with severe
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complications, we may have underestimated the impact of fetoscopic surgery.
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Our study also has some strengths. It first provides relevant information on
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reproductive and gynecologic outcomes following fetoscopic surgery for TTTS, information
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which is to our knowledge until now almost non-existent. Second, we used an appropriate
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control group. Therefore we feel confident that fetoscopic surgery for TTTS does not have
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medium-term adverse gynaecological and reproductive effects. The psychological impact
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seems to be high due to the burden of the loss of a child. Strong support for these women is
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advocated.
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8.
Wilson RD, Lemerand K, Johnson MP, et al. Reproductive outcomes in subsequent
312
pregnancies after a pregnancy complicated by open maternal-fetal surgery. Am J
313
Obstet Gynecol. 2010;203(3). doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2010.03.029. 9.
Surg. 2010;7(2):113-125. doi:10.1007/s10397-010-0565-4.
315 316
Beck V, Pexsters A, Gucciardo L, et al. The use of endoscopy in fetal medicine. Gynecol
10.
RI PT
314
Petersen SG, Gibbons KS, Luks FI, et al. The Impact of Entry Technique and Access Diameter on Prelabour Rupture of Membranes Following Primary Fetoscopic Laser
318
Treatment for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2016;40(2):100-
319
109. doi:10.1159/000441915. 11.
M AN U
320
SC
317
Hannah ME, Hannah WJ, Hodnett ED, et al. Outcomes at 3 months after planned cesarean vs planned vaginal delivery for breech presentation at term: the
322
international randomized Term Breech Trial. J Am Med Assoc. 2002;287(14):1822-
323
1831. doi:10.1097/00132586-200306000-00026.
324
12.
TE D
321
Wang CB, Chiu WWC, Lee CY, Sun YL, Lin YH, Tseng CJ. Cesarean scar defect: Correlation between Cesarean section number, defect size, clinical symptoms and
326
uterine position. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2009;34(1):85-89. doi:10.1002/uog.6405.
328 329 330 331
13.
AC C
327
EP
325
Wenze SJ, Battle CL, Tezanos KM. Raising multiples: mental health of mothers and fathers in early parenthood. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2015;18(2):163-176. doi:10.1007/s00737-014-0484-x.
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TABLES
333
Table 1: Demographic variables Parameter
Cases
Controls
(n=198)
(n=211)
p-value
Responders Non(n=204)
p-value
responders
RI PT
332
(n=201)
Loss of one or more of the 69 (39%)
0 (0%)
p<0.05
pregnancy or neonatal
M AN U
perioda Women managed locally
211 (100%)
p<0.05
188 (92%)
155 (77%)
p<0.05
107 (54%)
114 (58%)
p=0.444
106 (53%)
111 (57%)
p=0.433
Median age at survey
30 (28-33)
p=0.656
30 (28-33)
30 (27-33)
p=0.243
37 (33-40)
37 (35-41)
p=0.204
37 (35-40)
37 (33-41)
p=0.398
80 (59-103)
p<0.05
77 (53-100)
77 (57-103)
p=0.193
AC C
(years)
30 (27-33)
EP
index pregnancy (years)d
TE D
pregnancy ≥ 1c Median age at delivery of
Interval between delivery
p=0.705
134 (69%)
throughout pregnancyb Parity during index
34 (19%)
SC
fetuses during index
34 (17%)
74 (54-101)
of index pregnancy and survey (months)d 334
- Data are displayed as n(%) or median (IQR)
335
- Missing values: aCases 22, Controls 0; Responders 4, Non-Responders 17; bCases 3,
336
Controls 1; Responders 1, Non-Responders 0; cCases 0, Controls 14; Responders 4, Non-
337
Responders 6; dCases 7, Controls 0; Responders 2, Non-Responders 5
Reproductive outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy – Vergote S. et al.
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338
Table 2: Reproductive outcomes in patients who submitted completed questionnaires Parameter Cases Controls p-value (n=107)
Parity at index pregnancy ≥ 1a
47 (51%)
57 (55%)
p=0.602
Further attempt to conceive
31 (34%)
22 (21%)
p<0.05
Of those attempting to conceive Patients with ≥1 subsequent pregnancies
31 (100%)
Requiring for the first time ART
0 (0%)
Interval between delivery of index pregnancy
12 (5-27)
No further attempt to conceive
TE D
Decision related to the index pregnancy
p<0.05
SC
0 (0%)
p<0.05
10 (9-14.5)
14 (10-16)
p=0.192
61 (66%)
85 (79%)
p<0.05
9 (15%)
5 (6%)
p=0.074
M AN U
subsequent pregnancy (months)c
18 (82%)
24 (15-30.25)
and attempt at new pregnancy (months)b Interval between attempt and delivery
RI PT
(n=92)
- Data are displayed as n(%) or median (IQR)
340
- Missing values or exclusions: aCases (0 missing values), Controls (3 missing values); bCases
341
(2 missing values), Controls (0 missing values); cCases (2 missing values, 4 excluded due to
342
obvious erroneous data), controls (4 did not conceive again thus were excluded);
AC C
343
EP
339
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19
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344
Table 3: Subsequent pregnancy outcomes Parameter
Cases
Controls
(n= 31)
(n= 19)
p-value
Subsequent pregnancy outcome
Miscarriage (loss <20 weeks)
4 (13%)
Pregnancy loss at 20-24 weeks
0
Delivery at 24-28 weeks
0
Delivery at 38-36 weeks Delivery ≥ 37 weeks Birthweight (in kilograms)a
TE D
Delivery modea Vaginal
1 (5%)
3 (16%) 0
0
0
0
27 (87%)
15 (79%)
p=0.450
3.47 (3.12-3.65)
3.65 (3.29-3.80)
p=0.331 p=0.615
20 (74%)
10 (67%)
7 (26%)
5 (33%)
8 (26%)
2 (11%)
Bleeding during pregnancy
2
0
Placental problems
1
0
Hypertension
0
0
Gestational diabetes
3
1
Othersb
3
1
EP
Caesarean delivery
Patients with ≥ 1 of the following complications during subsequent pregnancies
AC C
p=0.777
SC
0
M AN U
Termination of pregnancy <20 weeks
RI PT
Gestational age at delivery
Exact number of pregnancies with
p=0.194
Reproductive outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy – Vergote S. et al.
20
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 5 (17%)
2 (11%)
Problems with uterine scar
1
1
Preterm labour and/or preterm rupture of
2
0
Patients with ≥ 1 of the following complications
p=0.554
during the delivery of subsequent pregnanciesc
the membrane Othersd
2
RI PT
Exact number of pregnancies with
1
- Data are displayed as n(%) or median (IQR)
346
- Missing values or exclusions: aCases (4 pregnancy losses <20 weeks excluded), controls (3
347
pregnancy losses <20 weeks and 1 termination of pregnancy excluded); cOne case is
348
excluded due to obvious inconsistency
349
- Others: bCases (1 hydramnios, 1 ectopic pregnancy, 1 Braxton-Higgs treated medicinally),
350
controls (1 hyperemesis gravidarum); dCases (1 prolonged labour, 1 internal bleeding),
351
controls (1 urgent caesarean delivery due to an unexpected breech position)
354
M AN U
TE D
EP
353
AC C
352
SC
345
Reproductive outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy – Vergote S. et al.
21
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355
Table 4: Self-reported gynecological and psychological outcomes in cases and controls. Problems Cases Controls p-value
Patients reporting ≥ 1 gynecological problem(s)
(n=92)
(n=107)
18 (20%)
33 (31%)
p=0.069
11 (12%)
Abnormal menstrual bleeding
6 (7%)
Othersa
4 (4%)
15 (14%)
p=0.667
15 (14%)
p=0.086
12 (11%)
p=0.076
SC
Abdominal pain
RI PT
after their index pregnancy
23 (21%)
p<0.05
7 (8%)
5 (5%)
p=0.386
13 (14%)
6 (6%)
p<0.05
Grieving the loss of a child
19 (20%)
0 (0%)
p<0.05
Feelings of guilt
6 (7%)
0 (0%)
p<0.05
6 (7%)
12 (11%)
p=0.250
after their index pregnancy Depressed mood
Anxiety concerning health of the baby, fear
EP
Othersb
TE D
for.repetition
40 (44%)
M AN U
Patients reporting ≥ 1 psychological problem(s)
- Data are displayed as n(%) or median (IQR)
357
- Others: aCases (1 premenstrual syndrome, 2 post-operative adhesions, 1 ovarian cyst),
358
controls (1 lasting pain caused by scar of caesarean delivery, 2 retained placental tissue, 3
359
ovarian cysts, 2 urogenital prolapses, 1 urinary incontinence, 1 mastalgia, 1 hematoma after
360
caesarean delivery, 1 uterine cysts); bSee Appendix 3
361
AC C
356
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FIGURE LEGENDS
364
Figure 1: Flow chart of included patients
AC C
EP
TE D
M AN U
SC
RI PT
362 363
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT Figure 1 Patients eligible for inclusion (n = 409)
Controls (n = 211)
RI PT
Cases (n = 198)
Exclusions due to insufficient contact information or death (n = 4)
Patients contacted by post, by email or by telephone (n =405) Controls (n = 209)
Surveys returned (n = 204)
Controls (n = 109)
TE D
Cases (n = 95)
M AN U
Cases (n = 196)
EP
Complete surveys (n = 199)
AC C
Cases (n = 92)
Controls (n = 2)
SC
Cases (n = 2)
Controls (n = 107)
Exclusions due to incomplete survey or obvious inconcistencies (n = 5) Cases (n = 3 )
Controls (n = 2)
Reproductive outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome – Vergote S. et al.
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1 2
SUPPLEMENTAL DIGITAL CONTENT
3 4 5
Appendix 1: Questionnaire designed for cases
6
This questionnaire consists of 35 items. Filling it in will take around 15 minutes.
RI PT
Gynecological outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy
7
A. Pregnancy desire
9
[1] Have you attempted to get pregnant after your pregnancy in which a twin to twin transfusion syndrome was detected?
11
Yes (Proceed to question 4)
12
No (Proceed to question 2)
M AN U
10
SC
8
[2] Is there any relationship between the problem in your pregnancy or pregnancy
14
outcome of the twin to twin transfusion syndrome and the fact that you have not
15
attempted a new pregnancy?
EP
TE D
13
Yes (Proceed to question 3)
17
No (Proceed to question 22)
18
19
AC C
16
[3] Are you willing to summarize the reason why you haven't attempted a new pregnancy?
20
21
22
(Proceed to question 22) 1
Reproductive outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome – Vergote S. et al.
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23
[4] How much time was there between the delivery in the pregnancy with twin to twin
24
transfusion syndrome and a new attempt to get pregnant? Months
25
[5] Have you been pregnant since your previous pregnancy with a twin to twin transfusion
27
syndrome?
Yes (Proceed to question 6)
29
No (Proceed to question 22)
SC
28
RI PT
26
[6] How much time was there between the delivery of pregnancy with twin to twin
31
transfusion syndrome and the delivery of the following pregnancy?
M AN U
30
Months
32
B. Later pregnancy outcomes
34
We would like to investigate whether there were any problems or complications during one
35
of these later pregnancies. We would like you to answer the following questions separately
36
for the first three pregnancies after the pregnancy in which a twin to twin transfusion
37
syndrome was diagnosed.
38
[7] Was it a singleton, twin or triplet?
AC C
EP
TE D
33
Singleton
Twin
Triplet
Not applicable
First pregnancy after twin to twin
2
Reproductive outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome – Vergote S. et al.
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transfusion syndrome Second
RI PT
pregnancy after twin to twin
SC
transfusion syndrome
M AN U
Third pregnancy after twin to
transfusion
39
EP
syndrome
TE D
twin
[8] What was the estimated gestational age at the moment of delivery? (the normal
41
gestational age is 40 weeks)
AC C
40
Miscarriage 20-24
24-28
28-36
>37
Not
weeks
weeks
weeks
weeks
applicable
or loss prior to 20 weeks of pregnancy
3
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First pregnancy after twin to twin transfusion
RI PT
syndrome Second pregnancy after
SC
twin to twin transfusion
M AN U
syndrome Third pregnancy after twin to twin
syndrome 42
EP
[9] The delivery was
Vaginal
Caesarean delivery
Not applicable
AC C
43
TE D
transfusion
First pregnancy after twin to twin
transfusionsyndrome Second pregnancy after twin to twin
4
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transfusionsyndrome Third pregnancy after twin to twin
RI PT
transfusionsyndrome 44
[10] What was the birth weight of your child in grammes? Please fill in 0 when not
46
applicable.
SC
45
Weight (in case of
M AN U
Weight (in grammes)
First pregnancy after twin to
Weight (in case of
twins, in
triplets, in
grammes)
grammes)
TE D
twin transfusionsyndrome
Second pregnancy after twin to
EP
twin transfusionsyndrome
AC C
Third pregnancy after twin to twin transfusionsyndrome 47
48
[11] Was there any congenital anomaly/malformation? Yes
No
Not applicable
First pregnancy after
5
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twin to twin transfusionsyndrome Second pregnancy
RI PT
after twin to twin transfusionsyndrome Third pregnancy
SC
after twin to twin
49
50
[12] If so, what kind of anomaly?
TE D
51
M AN U
transfusionsyndrome
52
53
[13] Were there any problems or complications during your pregnancy after your
55
pregnancy with twin to twin transfusion syndrome?
AC C
EP
54
High blood
Gestational Others Not
There were
Vaginal
Placenta
no problems
bleeding
problems pressure/Pre- diabetes
or
during
applicable
eclampsia
complications your pregnancy
6
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First pregnancy after twin to twin transfusionsyndrome
RI PT
Second pregnancy after twin to twin transfusionsyndrome
SC
Third pregnancy after twin to twin
M AN U
transfusionsyndrome 56
60
61
62
63
TE D
59
EP
58
[14] If you marked “others” in the previous question, please specify:
AC C
57
64
[15] Were there any problems/complications during labor or delivery after your pregnancy
65
with twin to twin transfusion syndrome?
7
Reproductive outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome – Vergote S. et al.
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There were
The
Labor
Excessive Problems
no problems
water
occured
blood
with the
or
broke
too early
loss
uterine
complications too
(before 8
during
scar of
during labor
early
months/37 delivery
or delivery
(more
weeks)
applicable
the
RI PT
than
Others Not
previous
fetoscopic surgery
SC
24
M AN U
hours before labor) First pregnancy after
Second pregnancy after twin to twin
AC C
transfusionsyndrome
EP
transfusionsyndrome
TE D
twin to twin
Third pregnancy
after twin to twin
transfusionsyndrome 66
[16] If you marked “others” in the previous question, please specify:
67
8
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68
69
70
[17] May we contact your gynecologist to provide us detailed information about these
72
problems?
Yes
74
No
76
[18] If so, could you please give us the name and address of your gynecologist?
M AN U
75
SC
73
RI PT
71
Name :
Address :
Telephone number :
78
TE D
77
79
82
83
84
85
AC C
81
EP
80
Email address :
[19] Did you get pregnant spontaneously, i.e. without medical help? Yes
No
Not applicable
9
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First pregnancy after twin to twin transfusionsyndrome
RI PT
Second pregnancy after twin to twin transfusionsyndrome
SC
Third pregnancy after twin to twin
M AN U
transfusionsyndrome 86
[20] If there were fertility problems, did these exist before the pregnancy in which the
88
twin to twin transfusion syndrome was diagnosed? Yes
90
No
92
[21] What type of assisted reproduction techniques did you require?
AC C
91
EP
89
TE D
87
Medication
Artificial
IVF (In Vitro
Use of
Not
to stimulate insemination
Fertilization)/ ICSI
donor
applicable
ovulation
(using own
(Intracytoplasmic
sperm
sperm)
sperm injection)
and/or female egg
10
Reproductive outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome – Vergote S. et al.
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RI PT
(oocyte).
First pregnancy after twin to twin
SC
transfusionsyndrome
M AN U
Second pregnancy after twin to twin transfusionsyndrome Third pregnancy after
TE D
twin to twin transfusionsyndrome
EP
93
C. Psychological impact
95
[22] Have you had any psychological or emotional problems related to the twin to twin
96
transfusion syndrome or the pregnancy outcome?
97
98
AC C
94
Yes
No
99 100
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101
[23] Could you please describe them?
102
103
RI PT
104
105
SC
106
M AN U
107
D. Gynecological problems
109
[24] Did you have abnormal menstruations after you delivered the baby/babies of the twin
110
to twin transfusion syndrome?
111
Yes
112
No
TE D
108
[25] If so, how many months after you delivered the baby/babies of the twin to twin
114
transfusion syndrome did this problem start?
AC C
115
EP
113
Months
116
[26] What was the cause of this bleeding according to your gynecologist or general
117
practitioner?
118
119
12
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[27] Did you have a lot of lower abdominal pain after you delivered the baby/babies of the
121
twin to twin transfusion syndrome?
122
Yes
123
No
RI PT
120
124
[28] If so, how many months after you delivered the baby/babies of the twin to twin
125
transfusion syndrome did this pain start? Months
SC
126
M AN U
127
128
[29] What was the cause of this pain according to your gynecologist or general
129
practitioner?
TE D
130
131
[30] Did you have any other gynecological problem since you delivered the baby/babies of
133
the twin to twin transfusion syndrome?
135 136
Yes
AC C
134
EP
132
No
137
[31] If so, how many months after you delivered the baby/babies of the twin to twin
138
transfusion syndrome did these problems start?
139
Months
140 13
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141
[32] Which problem occurred and what was the cause according to your gynecologist or
142
general practitioner?
143
RI PT
144
[33] May we contact your gynecologist to provide us detailed information about these
146
problems? Yes
148
No
M AN U
147
SC
145
149
[34] Could you please give us the name and address of your gynecologist or general
150
practitioner?
Name
Address
Telephone number
TE D
151
154
155
156
157
AC C
153
EP
152
Email address
158 159 160 14
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E. Other
162
[35] If you experienced other medical problems after your surgery for twin to twin
163
transfusion syndrome or if you have any other remarks regarding this questionnaire,
164
please write these in the box below:
RI PT
161
165
SC
166 167
M AN U
168
169
TE D EP
171
Thank you very much for your participation.
AC C
170
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Appendix 2: Questionnaire designed for controls
174
Subsequent fertility, pregnancy and gynecological outcomes in women with
175
monochorionic twins
176
This questionnaire consists of 35 items. Filling it in will take around 15 minutes.
177
A. Subsequent pregnancy desire
178
[1] Have you attempted to get pregnant after your identical twin pregnancy? Yes (Proceed to question 4)
180
No (Proceed to question 2)
SC
M AN U
179
RI PT
172 173
181
[2] Is there any relationship between a problem in your previous identical twin pregnancy
182
or its outcome and the fact that you have not attempted a new pregnancy?
Yes (Proceed to question 3)
184
No (Proceed to question 22)
187
188
EP
186
[3] Are you willing to summarize the reason why you haven't attempted a new pregnancy?
AC C
185
TE D
183
189
(Proceed to question 22)
190
[4] How much time was there between the delivery of the identical twins and a new
191
attempt to get pregnant?
16
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Months
192 193
[5] Have you been pregnant since your previous identical twin pregnancy?
195
Yes
196
No
RI PT
194
[6] How much time was there between the delivery of the twins and the delivery of the
198
following pregnancy? Months
M AN U
199
SC
197
200
B. Later pregnancy outcomes
202
We would like to investigate whether there were any problems or complications during one
203
of these later pregnancies. We would like you to answer the following questions separately
204
for the first three pregnancies after the previous identical twin pregnancy was detected.
205
[7] Was it a singleton, twin or triplet?
EP
TE D
201
Twin
Triplet
Not applicable
AC C
Singleton
First pregnancy after identical
twin pregnancy Second pregnancy after
17
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identical twin pregnancy Third pregnancy
RI PT
after identical twin pregnancy 206
[8] What was the estimated gestational age at the moment of delivery? (the normal
208
gestational age is 40 weeks)
M AN U
SC
207
Miscarriage 20-24
24-28
28-36
>37
Not
weeks
weeks
weeks
weeks
applicable
or loss prior to 20
TE D
weeks of pregnancy
after the identical
AC C
twins
EP
First pregnancy
Second pregnancy after the identical twins Third pregnancy after the identical
18
Reproductive outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome – Vergote S. et al.
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twins 209
[9] The delivery was Vaginal
Caesarean delivery
First pregnancy
SC
after the
Not applicable
RI PT
210
identical twins
M AN U
Second pregnancy after the identical
TE D
twins Third pregnancy after the
EP
identical twins
AC C
211
212
[10] What was the birth weight of your child in grammes? Please fill in 0 when not
213
applicable.
Weight (in
Weight (in case of
Weight (in case of
grammes)
twins, in grammes)
triplets, in grammes)
First pregnancy after the
19
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identical twins Second pregnancy after the identical twins
the identical twins 214
215
[11] Was there any congenital anomaly/malformation? No
M AN U
Yes First pregnancy after the
after the
Third
AC C
identical twins
EP
pregnancy
Not applicable
TE D
identical twins Second
SC
RI PT
Third pregnancy after
pregnancy after the
identical twins 216
[12] If so, what kind of anomaly?
217 20
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218
219
220
RI PT
221
[13] Were there any problems or complications during your pregnancy after your
223
pregnancy with identical twins? Vaginal
Placenta
High blood
Gestational
problems or
bleeding
problems
pressure/pre-
diabetes
complications
during
identical twins Second pregnancy
eclampsia
EP
after the
applicable
AC C
pregnancy
Others Not
TE D
pregnancy
M AN U
There were no
your
First
SC
222
after the identical twins
21
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Third pregnancy after the identical
RI PT
twins 224
[14] If you marked “others” in the previous question, please specify:
SC
225
M AN U
226 227
228
TE D
229
230
233
234
235
AC C
232
EP
231
236
[15] Were there any problems/complications during labor or delivery after your pregnancy
237
with identical twins?
22
Reproductive outcomes after fetoscopic laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome – Vergote S. et al.
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There were no
The
Labor
Excessive
Problems
problems or
water
occurred too
blood loss
with the
complications
broke
early (before
during
uterine scar
during labor or
too early
8 months/37
delivery
in case of an
delivery
(more
weeks)
delivery
SC
before
M AN U
labor) First pregnancy after the
identical twins
EP
after the
AC C
pregnancy
TE D
identical
Second
earlier
caesarean
hours
twins
applicable
RI PT
than 24
Other Not
Third pregnancy after the
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identical twins 238
[16] If you marked “others” in the previous question, please specify:
RI PT
239
240
SC
241
M AN U
242
[17] May we contact your gynecologist to provide us detailed information about these
244
problems?
245
Yes
246
No
248
[18] Could you please give us the name and address of your gynecologist?
Name :
EP
247
251
252
AC C
249
250
TE D
243
Address :
Telephone number :
Email address :
253
254
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255
256
[19] Did you get pregnant spontaneously, i.e. without medical help? Yes
No
RI PT
First pregnancy after the
SC
identical twins Second
M AN U
pregnancy after the identical twins
identical twins
EP
257
TE D
Third pregnancy after the
Not applicable
[20] If there were fertility problems, did these exist before the pregnancy of the identical
259
twins?
260
261
262
AC C
258
Yes No
[21] What type of assisted reproduction techniques did you require?
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Medication
Artificial
IVF (In Vitro
Use of
Not
to stimulate
insemination
Fertilization)/ ICSI
donor sperm applicable
ovulation
(using own
(Intracytoplasmic
and/or
sperm)
sperm injection)
female egg
RI PT
(oocyte).
First pregnancy
SC
after the identical twins
M AN U
Second pregnancy after the identical twins
TE D
Third pregnancy after the identical twins
EP
263
C. Psychological impact
265
[22] Have you had any psychological or emotional problems related to complications
266
during the pregnancy of the identical twins or the pregnancy outcome?
AC C
264
267
Yes
268
No
269
[23] If so, could you please describe them?
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270
271
272
RI PT
273
274
SC
275
D. Gynecological problems
277
[24] Did you have abnormal menstruations after you delivered the baby/babies of your
278
identical twin pregnancy?
Yes
280
No
TE D
279
M AN U
276
[25] If so, how many months after you delivered of the baby/babies of your identical twin
282
pregnancy did this problem start?
284
Months
AC C
283
EP
281
285
[26] What was the cause of this bleeding according to your gynecologist or general
286
practitioner?
287
288
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[27] Did you have a lot of lower abdominal pain after you delivered the baby/babies of
290
your identical twin pregnancy?
291
Yes
292
No
RI PT
289
293
[28] If so, how many months after you delivered the baby/babies of your identical twin
294
pregnancy did this pain start?
SC
Months
295
[29] What was the cause of this pain according to your gynecologist or general
297
practitioner?
M AN U
296
298
TE D
299
300
[30] Did you have any other gynecological problem since you delivered the baby/babies of
302
your identical twin pregnancy?
304
Yes
AC C
303
EP
301
No
305
[31] How many months after you delivered the baby/babies of your identical twin
306
pregnancy did these problems start?
307
Months
308
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309
[32] Which problem occurred and what was the cause according to your gynecologist or
310
general practitioner?
311
RI PT
312
313
[33] May we contact your gynecologist to provide us detailed information about these
315
problems?
Yes
317
No
M AN U
316
SC
314
[34] Could you please give us the name and address of your gynecologist or general
319
practitioner?
320
Name :
Address :
TE D
318
323
324
325 326
AC C
322
EP
321
Telephone number :
Email address :
327
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E. Others
330
[35] If you experienced other medical problems after your identical twin pregnancy or if
331
you have any other remarks regarding this questionnaire, please write these in the box
332
below:
RI PT
329
333
SC
334 335
M AN U
336
337
TE D EP
339
Thank you very much for your participation.
AC C
338
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Appendix 3: Other psychological and emotional problems Cases (6):
342
- Emotional pregnancy
343
- Emotional period after operation
344
- Feelings of emptiness
345
- Loss of energy
346
- Not specified
347
- Care for survivor
348
Controls (12):
349
- Hard time taking care for twins (3)
350
- Emotional period after pregnancy (3)
351
- Emotional pregnancy, exhausted
352
- Hard to process that twins were premature
353
- Burn out, care for twins
354
- Unplanned pregnancy, divorce
355
- Missed career opportunity due to care for twins
356
- Exhausted, nervous
SC M AN U
TE D
EP
AC C
357
RI PT
340 341
31