Equalization of amniotic fluid volumes after decompression amniocentesis for treatment of the twin oligohydramnios-polyhydramnios sequence.

OBJECTIVE

To measure acute and chronic changes in the placenta and amniotic fluid associated with performance of decompression amniocentesis in pregnancies with the twin oligohydramnios-polyhydramnios sequence (TOPS).

METHODS

Amniotic fluid pressures, placental thickness, placental perfusion, and amniotic fluid volumes were measured in each sac of a monochorionic diamniotic twin gestation before and after decompression amniocentesis. Indigo carmine was injected into the polyhydramnic sac after decompression, and fluid from the oligohydramnic sac was sampled after equilibration. Spectrophotometric analysis of amniotic fluid specimens was performed for dye detection. Amniotic fluid volume and placental perfusion studies were repeated 1 week later.

RESULTS

Three patients with TOPS were enrolled, and decompression amniocentesis was performed in the midtrimester. After decompression, amniotic fluid volume decreased in the polyhydramnic sac, amniotic fluid pressures decreased in both sacs, placental thickness increased, and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry was unaffected. The amniotic fluid volume increased acutely in only one oligohydramnic sac after decompression, and ultrasonographic examination, amniotic fluid spectrophotometric analysis, and placental pathologic examination all identified interfetal membrane disruption as the etiology.

CONCLUSIONS

Decompression amniocentesis as a treatment for TOPS does not result in acute or chronic changes in the amniotic fluid volume of the oligohydramnic sac in the absence of interfetal membrane disruption.