JoVE Video Dataset

Abstract

Twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS) occurs in 5% of monochorionic twins and is characterized by large inter-twin hemoglobin differences. The postnatal diagnostic criteria for TAPS are based on hematologic parameters and placental characteristics. Placental examination after birth shows that color of the maternal side between placental territories of the anemic and polycythemic twins is remarkably different. The color difference in TAPS placentas is higher compared to monochorionic placentas with acute peripartum feto-fetal transfusion; thus, this is used as an additional diagnostic criterion for TAPS. Software such as ImageJ enables the computer-based measurement of color intensity in TAPS placentas. However, a detailed method for the calculation of color differences between anemic and polycythemic components of TAPS placentas has not yet been described. The protocol presented here provides a step-by-step method for analyzing color differences in the maternal side of TAPS placentas using ImageJ software.

Authors 6

1. Depeng P. Zhao

   Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital · Southern Medical University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University

2. Lisanne S.A. Tollenaar Aachen Division of Fetal Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Division of Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center

3. Femke Slaghekke Aachen Division of Fetal Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Division of Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center

4. Dick Oepkes Aachen Division of Fetal Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Division of Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center

5. Tao Duan

   Tongji University · Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital

   Affiliation as printed

   Fetal Medicine Unit & Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine

6. Enrico Lopriore Aachen Division of Neonatology Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center