Selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies. Current management relies on umbilical artery Doppler patterns in the smaller twin. These patterns are, however, inconsistent and do not represent a reliable severity scale, complicating clinical decision-making and parental counselling. This study aims to improve risk stratification by identifying predictors of adverse outcomes, while also evaluating the pathophysiology and multi-organ impact of sFGR in early childhood.
This is a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study conducted in six tertiary fetal medicine centres with expertise in complicated twin pregnancies. Recruitment began in March 2023 and will continue until December 2026, targeting 274 MCDA twin pairs with complete follow-up to develop a prediction model for adverse perinatal outcomes in sFGR at the time of diagnosis. Standardised data collection includes serial ultrasound examinations, advanced fetal imaging (cardiac, cerebral and 3D volumetric), fetal brain MRI and detailed placental phenotyping. Maternal and parental well-being are assessed during pregnancy and after birth. Neurodevelopmental outcome is evaluated up to 2 years after birth using validated tools. The statistical analysis plan includes predictive modelling with internal validation.
The study has been approved by the ethical review boards of all participating centres. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences and engagement with clinical guideline committees.
by Sanne H. B. van Dijk, Marjolein G. J. Brusse-Keizer, Bente Rodenburg, Anke Lenferink
IntroductionComorbidities significantly complicate COPD management. Remote monitoring could aid real-time disease and symptom management, assisting both patients with multimorbidity and healthcare professionals (HCPs). This study aimed to explore how insight in patterns of symptom deterioration, derived from remote monitoring, could enhance multimorbid COPD management as perceived by patients and HCPs.
MethodsUsing daily symptom data collected via a mobile diary in the prospective RE-SAMPLE cohort study, patterns of symptom deterioration of COPD, chronic heart failure, anxiety, and depression were visualized per patient (follow-up duration of ≥4 months). Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with Dutch patients with COPD and ≥1 comorbidity, and with HCPs from pulmonology, cardiology, and medical psychology who were involved in care for patients with multimorbidity. Interviews addressed current multimorbid COPD management, its challenges, and the way pattern visualizations of symptoms deterioration could support disease management. Transcripts were thematically analyzed using an inductive approach.
Results7 patients (69–80 years, 4 men) and 7 HCPs were interviewed in the hospital (patients and HCPs), at home (patients) or online (HCPs). Three overarching themes were identified, representing the elements of multimorbid COPD management that could be supported by the pattern visualizations: 1) relationship between diseases, 2) decision-making, and 3) self-management. According to patients and HCPs, pattern visualizations can be an informative source to explain the relation between COPD and comorbidities, function as a conversation starter facilitating communication between patients and HCPs as well as between medical disciplines, and educate patients in adequately recognizing their care needs.
ConclusionThree elements of personalized multimorbid COPD management were identified through qualitative analysis, which can all be supported by visualizing patterns of symptom deterioration via remote monitoring. The visualizations could enhance patients’ understanding of their diseases, improve shared decision-making, improve in-hospital multidisciplinary collaboration, and support multimorbid COPD (self-)management.