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Therefore, Doppler ultrasound evaluation in multiple pregnancies may be of use for selected conditions.
Investigation of the uteroplacental circulation by uterine Doppler velocime­try in midgestation demonstrated lower mean artery resistance in twins com­pared to singletons. This may reflect the larger placental implantation area. Compared to screening efficacy in singletons, prediction of pre-eclampsia and FGR in twins was lower (sensitivity of about 30% and 20%, respectively). However, since the prevalence of complications is increased in multiple preg­nancies, although sensitivity is lower, the positive predictive value of an abnor­mal test is higher.
50
Several Doppler studies have examined flow velocity waveforms of various vessels in twins. In uncomplicated twin pregnancies, there are no differences in the umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery resistances compared to single­ton pregnancies. In the presence of growth restriction and/or weight discordance, Doppler of the umbilical artery has been reported to be a valuable adjunct.14 A recent prospective randomized controlled multicentre trial investigated the performance of umbilical artery Doppler added to standard ultrasound biometry
Ultrasound in obstetrics and gynaecology
in the management of twin pregnancies.20 In this study, close surveillance resulted in a lower than expected fetal mortality in both the non-Doppler and Doppler groups. There were no differences between the two groups with respect to ante­natal and postnatal outcomes. However, a major concern in this study is that it does not address the issue of chorionicity.
Currently, Doppler plays a critical role in the management of monochorionic pregnancies complicated by TTTS and is incorporated into a widely used staging system.
42,43
The association of increased nuchal translucency with abnormal flow pattern in the ductus venosus in first-trimester monochorionic twins may be an early manifestation of a haemodynamic imbalance between a donor and a recipi­ent, thus predicting manifestation of TTTS.33 Colour Doppler sonography may also help in the identification and differentiation of the communicating placental vessels prior to endoscopic laser surgery. Doppler detection of artery-to-artery anastomosis carries a decreased risk of TTTS and improves stage-independent survival.48 Fetal Doppler findings in manifest TTTS do reflect circulatory changes due to hypovo­laemia in the donor and congestive heart failure following cardiac overload in the recipient (see Fig. 11.6B). Successful laser ablation of intertwin anastomosis may lead to resolution of the disease and the concomitant Doppler changes. Return of donor umbilical artery end-diastolic blood flow and reappearance of positive flow during atrial contraction in the recipient ductus venosus can be found after therapy as well as transient increase in venous pulsatility in the donor fetus.
Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare complication in monochorionic twins. It is characterized by artery-to-artery anastomosis with the feature of reversed umbilical perfusion from the donor fetus to the acardiac twin and may result in cardiac failure of the donor. Serial echocardiographic and venous Doppler ultrasound examinations are most helpful in monitoring these pregnancies and discriminating between those suitable for conservative manage-
224
ment and others that will benefit from cord occlusion.
18,50
20
21
49

References

1. Albaiges G, Missfelder-Lobos H, Lees C, Parra M, Nicolaides KH. One-stage screening for pregnancy complications by color Doppler assessment of the uterine arteries at 23 weeks' gestation. Obstet Gynecol 2000;96:559–564
2. Aquilina J, Thompson O, Thilaganathan B, Harrington K. Improved early prediction of pre-eclampsia by combining second­trimester maternal serum inhibin-A and uterine artery Doppler. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2001;17:477–484
3. Bahado-Singh RO, Kovanci E, Jeffres A et al. The Doppler cerebroplacental ratio and perinatal outcome in intrauterine growth restriction. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:750–756
4. Baschat AA, Gembruch U. Triphasic umbilical venous blood flow with prolonged survival in severe intrauterine growth retardation: a case report. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 1996;8:201–205
5. Baschat AA, Gembruch U, Reiss I, Gortner L, Weiner CP, Harman CR. Relationship between arterial and venous Doppler and perinatal outcome in fetal growth restriction. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2000;16:407–413
6. Baschat AA, Gembruch U, Harman CR. The sequence of changes in Doppler and biophysical parameters as severe fetal growth restriction worsens. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2001;18:571–577
7. Baschat AA. Doppler application in the delivery timing of the preterm growth­restricted fetus: another step in the right direction. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2004;23:111–118
8. Baschat AA, Galan HL, Bhide A et al. Doppler and biophysical assessment in growth restricted fetuses: distribution of test results. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2006;27:41–47
9. Bekedam DJ, Visser GH, van der Zee AG, Snijders RJ, Poelmann-Weesjes G. Abnormal velocity waveforms of the umbilical artery in growth retarded fetuses: relationship to antepartum late heart rate decelerations and outcome. Early Hum Dev 1990;24:79–89
10. Bellotti M, Pennati G, De Caspari C, Bozzo M, Battaglia FC, Ferrazzi E. Simultaneous measurements of umbilical venous, fetal hepatic, and ductus venosus blood flow in growth-restricted human fetuses. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2004;190:1347–1358
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11. Berg C, Kremer C, Geipel A, Kohl T, Germer U, Gembruch U. Ductus venous blood flow alterations in fetuses with obstructive lesions of the right heart. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2006;28:137–142
12. Bilardo CM, Wolf H, Stigter RH et al. Relationship between monitoring parameters and perinatal outcome in severe, early intrauterine growth restriction. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2004;23:119–125
13. Campbell S, Black RS, Lees CC, Armstrong V, Peacock JL. Doppler ultrasound of the maternal uterine arteries: disappearance of abnormal waveforms and relation to birthweight and pregnancy outcome. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2000;79:631–634
14. Chittacharoen A, Leelapattana P, Rangsiprakarn R. Prediction of discordant twins by real-time ultrasonography combined with umbilical artery velocimetry. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2000;15: 118–121
15. Favre R, Cherif Y, Kohler M et al. The role of fetal nuchal translucency and ductus venosus Doppler at 11–14 weeks of gestation in the detection of major congenital heart defects. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2003;21:239–243
16. Ferrazzi E, Bozzo M, Rigano S et al. Temporal sequence of abnormal Doppler changes in the peripheral and central circulatory systems of the severely growth­restricted fetus. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2002;19:140–146
17. Frusca T, Soregaroli M, Valcamonico A, Guandalini F, Danti L. Doppler velocimetry of the uterine arteries in nulliparous women. Early Hum Dev 1997;48:177–185
18. Geipel A, Berg C, Germer U et al. Doppler assessment of the uterine circulation in the second trimester in twin pregnancies: prediction of pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and birth weight discordance. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2002;20:541–545
19. Gembruch U, Meise C, Germer U, Berg C, Geipel A. Venous Doppler ultrasound in 146 fetuses with congenital heart disease. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2003;22:345–350.
20. Giles W, Bisits A, O'Callaghan S, Gill A, for the DAMP Study Group. The Doppler Assessment in Multiple Pregnancy randomised controlled trial of ultrasound biometry versus umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound and biometry in twin pregnancy. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 2003;110:593–597
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21. Gratacós E, Van Schoubroeck D, Carreras E et al. Impact of laser coagulation in severe twin–twin transfusion syndrome on fetal Doppler indices and venous blood flow volume. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2002;20:125–130
22. Harman CR, Baschat AA. Comprehensive assessment of fetal wellbeing: which Doppler tests should be performed? Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2003;15:147–157
23. Harrington K, Cooper D, Lees C, Hecher K, Campbell S. Doppler ultrasound of the uterine arteries: the importance of bilateral notching in the prediction of pre-eclampsia, placental abruption or delivery of a small­for-gestational-age baby. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 1996;7:182–188
24. Hecher K, Campbell S, Snijders R, Nicolaides K. Reference ranges for fetal venous and atrioventricular blood flow parameters. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol
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25. Hecher K, Bilardo CM, Stigter RH, Ville Y, Hackelöer BJ, Kok HJ. Monitoring of fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction: a longitudinal study. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2001;18:564–570
26. Hershkovitz R, Kingdom JC, Geary M, Rodeck CH. Fetal cerebral blood flow redistribution in late gestation: identification of compromise in small fetuses with normal umbilical artery Doppler. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2000;15:209–212
27. Hollis B, Prefumo F, Bhide A, Rao S, Thilaganathan B. First-trimester uterine artery blood flow and birth weight. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2003;22:373–376
28. Irion O, Masse J, Forest JC, Moutquin JM. Prediction of pre-eclampsia, low birthweight for gestation and prematurity by uterine artery blood flow velocity waveforms analysis in low risk nulliparous women. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1998;106:88–89
29. Karsdorp VH, van Vugt JM, van Geijn HP et al. Clinical significance of absent or reversed end diastolic velocity waveforms in umbilical arterey. Lancet 1994;344:1664–1668
30. Li H, Gudnason H, Olofsson P, Dubiel M, Gudmundsson S. Increased uterine artery vascular impedance is related to adverse outcome of pregnancy but is present in only one-third of late third-trimester pre­eclamptic women. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2005;25:459–463
31. Mari G, Deter RL, Carpenter RL et al. Noninvasive diagnosis by Doppler
ultrasonography of fetal anemia due to maternal red-cell alloimmunization. Collaborative Group for Doppler Assessment of the Blood Velocity in Anemic Fetuses. N Engl J Med 2000;342:9–14
32. Mari G. Middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity for the diagnosis of fetal anemia: the untold story. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2005;25:323–330
33. Matias A, Montenegro N, Areias JC. Anticipating twin–twin transfusion syndrome in monochorionic twin pregnancy. Is there a role for nuchal translucency and ductus venosus blood flow evaluation at 11–14 weeks? Twin Res 2000;3:65–70
34. Mavrides E, Sairam S, Hollis B, Thilaganathan B. Screening for aneuploidy in the first trimester by assessment of blood flow in the ductus venosus. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 2002;109:1015–1019
35. Neilson JP, Alfirevic Z. Doppler ultrasound for fetal assessment in high risk pregnancies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000; issue 2; D000073
36. Oepkes D, Seaward G, Vandenbussche F et al for the Diamond Study Group. Doppler ultrasonography versus amniocentesis to predict fetal anemia. N Engl J Med 2006;355:156–164
37. Ozcan T, Sbracia M, d'Ancona RL, Copel JA, Mari G. Arterial and venous Doppler velocimetry in the severely growth­restricted fetus and associations with adverse perinatal outcome Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 1998;12:39–44
38. Papageorghiou AT, Yu CK, Bindra R, Pandis G, Nicolaides KH for the Fetal Medicine Foundation Second Trimester Screening Group. Multicenter screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction by transvaginal uterine artery Doppler at 23 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2001;18:441–449
39. Papageorghiou AT, Yu CK, Cicero S, Bower S, Nicolaides KH. Second­trimester uterine artery Doppler screening in unselected populations: a review. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2002;12:78–88
40. Papageorghiou AT, Yu CK, Erasmus IE, Cuckle HS, Nicolaides KH. Assessment of risk for the development of pre-eclampsia by maternal characteristics and uterine artery Doppler. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 2005;112:703–709
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41. Papageorghiou AT, Roberts N. Uterine artery Doppler screening for adverse pregnancy outcome. Obstet Gynecol 2005;17:584–590
42. Quintero RA, Morales WJ, Allen MH, Bornick PW, Johnson PK, Kruger M. Staging of twin–twin transfusion syndrome. J Perinatol 1999;19:550–555
43. Quintero RA, Dickinson JE, Morales WJ et al. Stage-based treatment of twin–twin transfusion syndrome. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:1333–1340
44. Severi FM, Bocchi C, Visentin A et al. Uterine and fetal cerebral Doppler predict the outcome of third-trimester small­for-gestational-age fetuses with normal umbilical artery Doppler. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2002;19:225–228
45. Smrcek JM, Krapp M, Axt-Fliedner R et al. Atypical ductus venosus blood flow pattern in fetuses with severe tricuspid valve regurgitation. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2005;26:180–182
46. Spencer K, Yu CKH, Cowans NJ, Otigbah C, Nicolaides KH. Prediction of pregnancy complications by first-trimester maternal serum PAPP-A and free ß-hCG and with second-trimester uterine artery Doppler. Prenat Diagn 2005;25:949–953
47. Takahashi Y, Kawabata I, Tamaya T. Characterization of growth-restricted
fetuses with breakdown of the brain-sparing effect diagnosed by spectral Doppler. J Matern Fetal Med 2001;10:122–126
48. Tan TY, Taylor MJ, Wee LY, Vanderheyden T, Wimalasundera R, Fisk NM. Doppler for artery–artery anastomosis and stage-independent survival in twin– twin transfusion. Obstet Gynecol 2004;103:1174–1180
49. Weisz B, Peltz R, Chayen B et al. Tailored management of twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2004;23:451–455
50. Yu CK, Papageorghiou AT, Boli A, Cacho AM, Nicolaides KH. Screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction in twin pregnancies at 23 weeks of gestation by transvaginal uterine artery Doppler. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2002;20: 532–534
51. Zimmerman R, Carpenter RJ Jr, Durig P, Mari G. Longitudinal measurement of peak systolic velocity in the fetal middle cerebral artery for monitoring pregnancies complicated by red cell alloimmunisation: a prospective multicentre trial with intention-to-treat. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 2002;109:746–752
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Invasive procedures in obstetrics

Yves Ville
ABSTRACT
The main focus in fetal invasive testing is fetal karyotyping, although increasingly molecular studies on fetal material are being carried out. Invasive techniques include chorion villus sampling and fetal blood sampling as the sources of fetal tissue. The technique and safety of these procedures are presented. Intrauterine fetal blood transfusion is indicated in severe fetal anaemia such as in red cell alloimmunization, fetomaternal haemorrhage and parvovirus B19 infection with fetal hydrops. Fetal shunting is limited to very selective fetal diseases following careful evaluation, i.e. obstructive uropathy, macrocystic congenital malformation of the lungs (CCAM) or pleural effusions associated with fetal hydrops. Ultrasound plays a pivotal role in selective fetocide performed in higher-order multiple pregnancies.
KEYWORDS
Amniocentesis, chorion villus sampling, fetal blood sampling, fetal shunting, selective fetocide.

INTRODUCTION

The introduction of a needle through the maternal abdomen under ultrasound guidance is the basis for invasive prenatal diagnosis and fetal therapy to treat a critically ill fetus. All intrauterine invasive procedures in obstetrics should be car­ried out under continuous real-time ultrasound control. These procedures carry a risk of fetal loss and/or preterm delivery or intrauterine death.
The most common reason for fetal invasive testing is karyotyping and there are three main techniques used to obtain fetal tissue: chorion villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis (AC) and fetal blood sampling (FBS). All three have been credited with various risks and it is important to critically appraise the indications for each
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5wks 11wks 16wks 40wks
1%
2%
15%
Fig. 12.1 Spontaneous fetal loss rate throughout gestation. (Reproduced with permission from Hook EB. Down syndrome live births and spontaneous abortions of unknown karyotype. Prog Clin Biol Res 1985;163C:21–24.)
of these procedures. It is vital to understand that the risk of spontaneous miscar­riage is present throughout the pregnancy, even though it decreases with increased gestation: from 15% at 5 weeks down to 1% at 16 weeks of gestation (Fig. 12.1).
Ultrasound in obstetrics and gynaecology
Non-specific risks involve fetal loss which may be idiopathic or may occur as a result of direct fetal injury with subsequent exsanguination or infection. Preterm delivery, intra-amniotic haemorrhage and chorioamnionitis also contribute to the morbidity of invasive procedures. Adequate methodology should include registra­tion of the outcome of all pregnancies without excluding any complication from a causal relationship with the procedure performed.

COUNSELLING

Genetic counselling will not be discussed in detail in this chapter. However, a few guidelines will be mentioned, since counselling is an essential factor in all invasive procedures. Counselling involves helping the individual and her family to under­stand the indication, the expected results, the failure rate and the procedure­related risks as well as available alternatives. Counselling should take place before the procedure is carried out. It should be done in a place where privacy, confiden­tiality and autonomy are guaranteed. It should not be done on an examination couch but outside the procedure room. Counselling requires time, patience and skills to convey the information in understandable language considering the indi­vidual's education and ethical beliefs.
The counselling should be documented in writing and should included the time(s) and the nature of the counselling as well as what was discussed. The documentation may be needed for future reference, possibly in connection with medico-legal claims. Written consent prior to an invasive procedure does not sub­stitute for documented information about counselling.

TRAINING

Training in invasive procedures is not easy and should always be supervised by a
230
competent senior operator. Although programmes for training of junior doctors
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Long axis
Long axis
of the uterus
of the uterus
Table plane
Table plane
45°
45°
3cm
3cm
Right angle to the table
3 cm, 45°
in obstetric ultrasound are now well established, the opportunity to acquire the specific skills necessary to perform FBS is currently available in only a few major fetal medicine centres where training is carried out with active supervision of the trainee. The technique described below allows for control of every step of the pro­cedure and anticipation of the next one through full visualization of the needle path and that of the target. Supervision can therefore be timely and explicit with­out increasing the anxiety already felt by the patient as a result of the uncertainty over the outcome of the pregnancy.
The use of phantoms helps the inexperienced operator to master basic tech­nique and also reduces uncertainty. It is recommended that the first 100 pro­cedures be performed with such a set-up. There are several types of phantoms described in the literature.
1,2
Some are even home-made.2 They all use anechoic
gel in which the target is placed.
The particular aim of the training is to be able to direct a needle transabdomi­nally towards a target in the fetoplacental unit under complete operator control and continuous visualization of both the target and the needle. In our experience, invasive procedures may be performed with a free-hand technique by a single operator. We use a curvilinear transducer, visualizing clearly the abdominal wall and placing the target in the centre of the screen. The needle should be visualized from its entry through the skin and the zoom should not be used until the needle is approaching the target. The transducer is ideally held in the left hand of a right­handed operator. The needle may be inserted 3 cm away from the transducer at an angle of 45° with the horizontal probe (Fig. 12.2).
Invasive procedures in obstetrics
Fig. 12.2 Operative plan of any invasive procedure showing the position of the transducer, the target on the screen and the angle at which the needle should be introduced.
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Some of the most difficult aspects of the procedure are:
visualizing the cord longitudinally at either the placental or umbilical
•
insertion maintaining the transducer in the proper position throughout the
•
procedure introducing the needle through the skin at the correct angle and distance
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from the transducer advancing the needle under full vision towards and into the cord
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introducing the needle into the umbilical vein through the Wharton's jelly
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surrounding the cord finding the target again and repositioning the needle in the same
•
alignment if the target has moved.

THE PROCEDURES

Each of the invasive procedures is presented below, starting with chorion villous
Ultrasound in obstetrics and gynaecology
sampling (CVS) which, in the chronology of the pregnancy, is the first invasive test which can performed safely and reliably. The basic technique and equipment for each procedure are described, along with known complications, safety aspects and any special considerations regarding multiple gestations.
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ASEPSIS

Common to all the procedures is asepsis. The site is cleaned with an antiseptic solution (usually chlorhexidine 0.5% in spirit or iodine solution) and the mother's lower abdomen is draped with sterile towels. The ultrasound probe may be placed in a sterile plastic bag. Iodine ensures good contact between the wrapped probe and the skin; sterile Vaseline may also be used. The operator wears sterile gloves.

CHORIONIC VILLOUS SAMPLING

The aim of chorionic villous sampling (CVS) is to insert a sampling device, either a needle or a biopsy forceps, inside and parallel to the great axis of the chorion frondosum in order to sample an adequate amount of trophoblast (Fig. 12.3). Several techniques have been developed over the last 10 years for CVS either transabdominally or transcervically using catheters, needles or biopsy forceps.
CVS should be done after 10 completed weeks of gestation. This timing is
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derived from the analysis of cases of severe transverse limb abnormalities or oromandibular-limb hypogenesis syndrome reported after CVS performed prior to 66 days of gestation.20 CVS may be performed up to 14–15 weeks but some may prefer it as a first-line technique up to term. The question remains whether CVS sampling after 10 weeks has the potential to cause more subtle defects but most centres performing CVS after 10 weeks have not seen an increase in limb defects.
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L
L
L
L
l
l
1. Anterior Insertion
1. Anterior Insertion
2. Fundal Insertion
2. Fundal Insertion
1. Posterior Insertion
1. Posterior Insertion
Fig. 12.3 The CVS needle must be inserted in the longitudinal axis of the trophoblast to allow sufficient course for the needle to be moved back and fore.
Invasive procedures in obstetrics
A transabdominal approach is preferable since the infection-related risk of
•
fetal loss seems to be higher when the transcervical technique is used. Three techniques for transabdominal sampling are mainly used. In the single-needle approach, a 12–15 cm 20 gauge spinal needle is used.5 Aspiration is usually achieved by connecting a catheter to the hub of the needle and to a 20 mL syringe together with hand grip while the operator is moving the needle to and fro within the trophoblast 10–15 times, following a straight 4–5 cm course under continuous ultrasound guidance. The double-needle technique uses an outer guide needle introduced down through the skin and myometrium at the edge of the chorion frondosum. This can be either an 18 gauge thin-walled needle or a standard 16–17 gauge spinal needle. A smaller, usually 20 gauge, sampling needle is then passed through and used for the direct sampling as described above. The advantage of the double-needle technique is that it allows for quantitative and qualitative assessment of the sample while the first needle is still in the uterus and the procedure can be completed if necessary without the need for a repuncture. Some prefer that local anaesthesia be given down to the myometrium along the needle path. A variation of the latter is the use of a biopsy forceps passed down a
•
16–18 gauge needle.
Chorionic villus sampling in multiple gestations
The best and, in fact only, screening test for fetal aneuploidy in the first trimester in twin pregnancies is nuchal translucency thickness (NT) measurement, although a recent study suggests that false-positive rates and invasive diagnostic procedures
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are reduced when first-trimester biochemistry is added.21 In dichorionic twins NT is measured above the 95th centile in 5% of the twins; in monochorionic pregnancies these figures are reported to be up to 9% and 13% respectively. If selective termination is an option in an aneuploid dichorionic twin, it should be noted that the outcome is dependent upon the timing of reduction with a sharp increase in the fetal loss rate after 16 weeks.22 CVS performed at 11–14 weeks has therefore become a real alternative to amniocentesis in twins. Precise deter­mination of chorionicity is an absolute prerequisite and is easy to ascertain at 11–14 weeks of gestation. This will help to determine the necessity of sampling only one or both trophoblasts. Indeed, in monochorionic gestations, heterokaryotic twins are an anecdotal phenomenon and sampling of the trophoblast close to the high-risk twin should lead to identical karyotype in both fetuses.
When the sampling of both twins is indicated, as in non-chromosomic genetic or biochemical testing, two needle insertions are necessary in order to provide the best approach to the trophoblast of each dichorionic twin. One should consider the risk of two needle insertions at this stage as compared to a single needle insertion to per­form an amniocentesis at 15 weeks. This should be carefully evaluated, taking into
Ultrasound in obstetrics and gynaecology
account the risk of finding an affected pregnancy as compared to that of fetal loss.
Safety
There are several large studies reporting on the safety of CVS,6 including more than 200,000 procedures, suggesting that CVS is associated with a low pregnancy loss, comparable to second-trimester amniocentesis.
7
234

AMNIOCENTESIS

Cytogenetic analysis and diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection are the main diag­nostic indications. Drainage of polyhydramnios and medical treatment of fetal disorders are rare therapeutic indications.
Amniocentesis can be performed from 15–16 completed weeks of gestation onwards. This restriction appears reasonable, since several randomized studies have clearly demonstrated that amniocentesis carries a higher fetal loss and mor­bidity rate when performed before 14 completed weeks as compared to later amniocentesis, and to CVS performed at the same gestational age. This is likely to be due to the presence of the extracoelomic space. Even when it has become vir­tual, the amniotic membrane can remain incompletely fused to the uterine wall until up to 14–15 weeks. Dry taps may then occur since the amniotic membrane will be tented by the needle and not perforated. The so-called ‘early amniocente­sis’ should therefore be abandoned for safety reasons.
A site of puncture is chosen to avoid placental tissue and umbilical cord in the needle path. Isoimmunization is likely to be increased by a transplancental approach, but there is little evidence to suggest this would be more deleterious in terms of intra-amniotic bleeding or fetal loss.
9,10
Indeed, a transplacental approach in the late first trimester could well decrease the risk of membrane tenting when the extra­amniotic space has virtually disappeared but the amnion is not yet attached.
8,9