Increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn in twin anaemia polycythaemia sequence donors.

Abstract

Introduction This study aimed to describe the prevalence and risk factors for respiratory complications in monochorionic twins with twin anaemia polycythaemia sequence (TAPS). Methods All neonates diagnosed with postnatal TAPS at our centre between 2002 and 2023 were included in this retrospective study. The primary outcome was the prevalence of respiratory complications, including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Secondary outcomes included need of respiratory support during admission and a risk-factor analysis for adverse respiratory outcome. Results In our study of 100 postnatally diagnosed TAPS pregnancies, 32% (62/199) experienced RDS and 13% (25/199) had BPD, with no difference between donors and recipients. PPHN occurred in 7% of cases, more frequently in donors (11%, 11/100) than in recipients (3%, 3/100) (OR = 1.3, 95%CI 0.2-2.6). Lower gestational age at birth and severe fetal anaemia were found to be significant independent risk factors associated with PPHN in TAPS twins (OR = 0.3, 95%CI 0.1-0.5), respectively (OR = 1.9, 95%CI 0.8-3.1). Conclusion TAPS donor twins have a four-fold increased risk of PPHN due to anaemia compared to recipient twins. Given the life-threatening nature of PPHN, TAPS twins should be born in hospitals equipped to treat it.