Selective Fetal Growth Restriction in Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy: A Review of Current Literature on Diagnostic and Therapeutic Updates

Authors

  • Fransiscus Octavius Hari Prasetyadi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Hang Tuah, Surabaya, Indonesia; Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Ramelan Naval Central Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
  • Cecilia Putri Tedyanto Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
  • Vashti Saraswati Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Soetomo Academic General Hospital, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v78i2.278098

Keywords:

selective fetal growth restriction, monochorionic twin pregnancy, birthweight discordance, twins, fetal therapy

Abstract

Monochorionicity refers to the condition in which twins share a single placenta. Selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) in monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancy poses significant challenges due to its association with high risks of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Managing sFGR poses a particular challenge, as affected pregnancies require more frequent monitoring compared to uncomplicated singleton or twin pregnancies. Expectant management is typically applied for type I cases, which generally have favorable outcomes. In contrast, more severe cases (type II and III) may require invasive management, such as fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) or selective termination. However, how to best manage this complicated pregnancy remains debated, as no evidence-based guidance is currently available. This review aims to summarize the underlying pathophysiology, various diagnostic criteria, classification systems, and current management strategies for sFGR. These include the perinatal outcomes associated with expectant and invasive management in sFGR.

References

Kanokpongsakdi S. Pre-operative diagnosis of alive twin tubal pregnancy. Siriraj Med J. 2020;62(2):71-72.

Vitthala S, Gelbaya TA, Brison DR, Fitzgerald CT, Nardo LG. The risk of monozygotic twins after assisted reproductive technology: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update. 2009;15(1):45-55.

Lewi L. Monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2022;4(2S):100501.

Lewi L, Gucciardo L, Huber A, Jani J, Van Mieghem T, Doné E, et al. Clinical outcome and placental characteristics of monochorionic diamniotic twin pairs with early- and late-onset discordant growth. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008;199(5):511.e1-7.

Lewi L, Jani J, Blickstein I, Huber A, Gucciardo L, Van Mieghem T, et al. The outcome of monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations in the era of invasive fetal therapy: a prospective cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008;199(5):514.e1-8.

Valsky DV, Eixarch E, Martinez JM, Gratacós E. Selective intrauterine growth restriction in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies. Prenat Diagn. 2010;30(8):719-26.

Lewi L, Deprest J, Hecher K. The vascular anastomoses in monochorionic twin pregnancies and their clinical consequences. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2013;208(1):19-30.

Lewi L, Gucciardo L, Van Mieghem T, de Koninck P, Beck V, Medek H, et al. Monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies: natural history and risk stratification. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2010;27(3):121-33.

Curado J, Sileo F, Bhide A, Thilaganathan B, Khalil A. Early- and late-onset selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy: natural history and diagnostic criteria. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2020;55(5):661-6.

Yamamoto R, Ozawa K, Wada S, Sago H, Nagasaki S, Takano M, et al. Infant outcome at 3 years of age of monochorionic twins with Type-II or -III selective fetal growth restriction and isolated oligohydramnios that underwent fetoscopic laser photocoagulation. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2024;63:758-63.

Bennasar M, Eixarch E, Martinez JM, Gratacós E. Selective intrauterine growth restriction in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 2017;22(6):376-82.

Prasad S, Khalil A, Kirkham JJ, Sharp A, Woolfall K, Mitchell TK, et al; FERN Study Team. Diagnosis and management of selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic twin pregnancies: A cross-sectional international survey. BJOG. 2024;131(12):1684-93.

Sorrenti S, Khalil A, D'Antonio F, D'Ambrosio V, Zullo F, D'Alberti E, et al. Counselling in Fetal Medicine: Complications of Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancies. J Clin Med. 2024;13(23):7295.

Gratacós E, Lewi L, Muñoz B, Acosta-Rojas R, Hernandez-Andrade E, Martinez JM, et al. A classification system for selective intrauterine growth restriction in monochorionic pregnancies according to umbilical artery Doppler flow in the smaller twin. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2007;30(1):28-34.

Khalil A, Rodgers M, Baschat A, Bhide A, Gratacos E, Hecher K, et al. ISUOG Practice Guidelines: role of ultrasound in twin pregnancy. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2016;47(2):247-63.

Khalil A, Beune I, Hecher K, Wynia K, Ganzevoort W, Reed K, et al. Consensus definition and essential reporting parameters of selective fetal growth restriction in twin pregnancy: a Delphi procedure. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2019;53(1):47-54.

Khalil A, Sotiriadis A, Baschat A, Bhide A, Gratacós E, Hecher K, et al. ISUOG Practice Guidelines (updated): role of ultrasound in twin pregnancy. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2025;65(2):253-76.

Lewi L, Cannie M, Blickstein I, Jani J, Deprest J. Placental sharing and birth weight in monochorionic twins: the critical role of ‘life supporting’ vascular anastomoses. J Soc Gynecol Invest. 2006;13(Suppl):A76.

Groene SG, Openshaw KM, Jansén-Storbacka LR, Slaghekke F, Haak MC, Heijmans BT, et al. Impact of placental sharing and large bidirectional anastomoses on birthweight discordance in monochorionic twins: a retrospective cohort study in 449 cases. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;227(5):755.e1-e10.

Townsend R, Khalil A. Fetal growth restriction in twins. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2018;49:79-88.

Kozinszky Z, Surányi A. The High-Risk Profile of Selective Growth Restriction in Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023;59(4):648.

Wang X, Li L, Yuan P, Zhao Y, Wei Y. Placental characteristics in different types of selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic diamniotic twins. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2021;100(9):1688-93.

Batsry L, Matatyahu N, Avnet H, Weisz B, Lipitz S, Mazaki-Tovi S, et al. Perinatal outcome of monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated by selective intrauterine growth restriction according to umbilical artery Doppler flow pattern: single-center study using strict fetal surveillance protocol. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2021;57(5):748-55.

Spekman JA, Ros E, Lewi L, Slaghekke F, Verweij EJTJ, Noll ATR, et al. Proximate cord insertion in monochorionic twins with selective fetal growth restriction. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2025;7(2):101598.

Murakoshi T, Quintero RA, Bornick PW, Allen MH. In vivo endoscopic assessment of arterioarterial anastomoses: insight into their hemodynamic function. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2003;14(4):247-55.

Mazer Zumaeta A, Gil MM, Rodriguez-Fernandez M, Carretero P, Ochoa JH, Casanova MC, et al. Selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic diamniotic twins: diagnosis and management. Maternal Fetal Med. 2022;4(4):268-75.

Chalouhi GE, Marangoni MA, Quibel T, Deloison B, Benzina N, Essaoui M, et al. Active management of selective intrauterine growth restriction with abnormal Doppler in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy. Prenat Diagn. 2013;33(2):109-15.

Wang Y, Shi H, Wang X, Yuan P, Wei Y, Zhao Y. Early- and late-onset selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic twin pregnancy with expectant management. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod. 2022;51(4):102314.

Aquino C, Rodrigues Baião AE, de Carvalho PRN. Perinatal Outcome of Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Monochorionic Twins: Evaluation of a Retrospective Cohort in a Developing Country. Twin Res Hum Genet. 2021;24(1):37-41.

Buca D, Pagani G, Rizzo G, Familiari A, Flacco ME, Manzoli L, et al. Outcome of monochorionic twin pregnancy with selective intrauterine growth restriction according to umbilical artery Doppler flow pattern of smaller twin: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2017;50(5):559-68.

Townsend R, D'Antonio F, Sileo FG, Kumbay H, Thilaganathan B, Khalil A. Perinatal outcome of monochorionic twin pregnancy complicated by selective fetal growth restriction according to management: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2019;53(1):36-46.

El Emrani S, Groene SG, Verweij EJ, Slaghekke F, Khalil A, van Klink JMM, et al. Gestational age at birth and outcome in monochorionic twins with different types of selective fetal growth restriction: A systematic literature review. Prenat Diagn. 2022;42(9):1094-110.

Quintero R, Kontopoulos E, Williams ME, Sloop J, Vanderbilt D, Chmait RH. Neurodevelopmental outcome of monochorionic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction (SIUGR) type II: laser versus expectant management. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2021;34(10):1513-21.

Rustico MA, Consonni D, Lanna M, Faiola S, Schena V, Scelsa B, et al. Selective intrauterine growth restriction in monochorionic twins: changing patterns in umbilical artery Doppler flow and outcomes. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2017;49(3):387-93.

Ishii K, Murakoshi T, Takahashi Y, Shinno T, Matsushita M, Naruse H, et al. Perinatal outcome of monochorionic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction and different types of umbilical artery Doppler under expectant management. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2009;26(3):157-61.

Colmant C, Lapillonne A, Stirnemann J, Belaroussi I, Leroy-Terquem E, Kermovant-Duchemin E, et al. Impact of different prenatal management strategies in short- and long-term outcomes in monochorionic twin pregnancies with selective intrauterine growth restriction and abnormal flow velocity waveforms in the umbilical artery Doppler: a retrospective observational study of 108 cases. BJOG. 2021;128(2):401-9.

Weisz B, Hogen L, Yinon Y, Gindes L, Shrim A, Simchen M, et al. Perinatal outcome of monochorionic twins with selective IUGR compared with uncomplicated monochorionic twins. Twin Res Hum Genet. 2011;14(5):457-62.

Sobhani NC, Sparks TN, Gosnell KA, Rand L, Gonzalez JM, Feldstein VA. Outcomes of Monochorionic, Diamniotic Twin Pregnancies with Prenatally Diagnosed Intertwin Weight Discordance. Am J Perinatol. 2021;38(7):649-56.

Prasad S, Beg S, Badran D, Masciullo L, Huddy C, Khalil A. Neurodevelopmental outcome in complicated twin pregnancy: prospective observational study. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2024;63(2):189-97.

Hillman SC, Morris RK, Kilby MD. Co-twin prognosis after single fetal death: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol. 2011;118(4):928-40.

Inklaar MJ, van Klink JM, Stolk TT, van Zwet EW, Oepkes D, Lopriore E. Cerebral injury in monochorionic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction: a systematic review. Prenat Diagn. 2014;34(3):205-13.

Ishii K, Murakoshi T, Sago H. Adverse outcome in monochorionic twins with selective intrauterine fetal growth restriction in the presence of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler and severe oligohydramnios. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2012;38(10):1271.

Shanahan MA, Bebbington MW. Monochorionic Twins: TTTS, TAPS, and Selective Fetal Growth Restriction. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2023;66(4):825-40.

Mustafa HJ, Javinani A, Heydari MH, Aghajani F, Saldana AV, Rohita DK, et al. Perinatal Outcomes of Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies with Selective Fetal Growth Restriction According to Umbilical Artery Dopplers and Fetal intervention: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square. 2024.

Quintero RA, Bornick PW, Morales WJ, Allen MH. Selective photocoagulation of communicating vessels in the treatment of monochorionic twins with selective growth retardation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2001;185(3):689-96.

Ishii K, Nakata M, Wada S, Murakoshi T, Sago H. Feasibility and preliminary outcomes of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for monochorionic twin gestation with selective intrauterine growth restriction accompanied by severe oligohydramnios. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2015;41(11):1732-7.

Miyadahira MY, Brizot ML, Carvalho MHB, Biancolin SE, Machado RCA, Krebs VLJ, et al. Type II and III Selective Fetal Growth Restriction: Perinatal Outcomes of Expectant Management and Laser Ablation of Placental Vessels. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2018;73:e210.

Nassr AA, Hessami K, Corroenne R, Sanz Cortes M, Donepudi R, Espinoza J, et al. Outcome of laser photocoagulation in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated by Type-II selective fetal growth restriction. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2023;62(3):369-73.

Peeva G, Bower S, Orosz L, Chaveeva P, Akolekar R, Nicolaides KH. Endoscopic Placental Laser Coagulation in Monochorionic Diamniotic Twins with Type II Selective Fetal Growth Restriction. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2015;38(2):86-93.

Uribe KA, Birk A, Shantz C, Miller JL, Kush ML, Olson S, et al. Resolution of selective fetal growth restriction after laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome can be predicted by predisease growth discordance. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2025;65(1):47-53.

Ortiz JU, Guggenberger J, Graupner O, Ostermayer E, Kuschel B, Lobmaier SM. The Outcome after Laser Therapy of Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies Complicated by Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome with Coexistent Selective Fetal Growth Restriction. J Clin Med. 2024;13(8):2432.

D'Antonio F, Marinceu D, Prasad S, Eltaweel N, Khalil A. Outcome following laser surgery of twin-twin transfusion syndrome complicated by selective fetal growth restriction: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2023;62(3):320-7.

Parra-Cordero M, Bennasar M, Martínez JM, Eixarch E, Torres X, Gratacós E. Cord Occlusion in Monochorionic Twins with Early Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Abnormal Umbilical Artery Doppler: A Consecutive Series of 90 Cases. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2016;39(3):186-91.

Rahimi-Sharbaf F, Shirazi M, Golshahi F, Salari Z, Haghiri M, Ghaemi M, Feizmahdavi H. Comparison of Prenatal and Neonatal Outcomes of Selective Fetal Growth Restriction in Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies with or Without Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome After Radiofrequency Ablation. Iran J Med Sci. 2022;47(5):433-9.

Evans MI, Johnson MP, Quintero RA, Fletcher JC. Ethical issues surrounding multifetal pregnancy reduction and selective termination. Clin Perinatol. 1996;23(3):437-51.

Valsky DV, Eixarch E, Martinez JM, Crispi F, Gratacós E. Selective intrauterine growth restriction in monochorionic twins: pathophysiology, diagnostic approach and management dilemmas. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 2010;15(6):342-8.

Javinani A, Papanna R, Van Mieghem T, Moldenhauer JS, Johnson A, Lopriore E, et al. Selective termination: a life-saving procedure for complicated monochorionic gestations. J Perinat Med. 2024;53(3):305-10.

Chen L, Zhou W, Zhang Y, Zhao W, Wen H. Natural evolution and risk factors for adverse outcome in selective intrauterine growth restriction under expectant management: A retrospective observational study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2023;162(2):569-77.

Khalil A, Liu B. Controversies in the management of twin pregnancy. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2021;57(6):888-902.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics; Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine; ACOG Joint Editorial Committee. ACOG Practice Bulletin #56: Multiple gestation: complicated twin, triplet, and high-order multifetal pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2004;104(4):869-83.

Kilby MD, Bricker L; Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Management of Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy Green-Top Guideline No. 51 (2024 Partial Update). BJOG. 2025;132(6):e98-e129.

Khalil A, Prasad S, Woolfall K, Mitchell TK, Kirkham JJ, Yaghi O, et al. FERN: is it possible to conduct a randomised controlled trial of intervention or expectant management for early-onset selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic twin pregnancy - protocol for a prospective multicentre mixed-methods feasibility study. BMJ Open. 2024;14(8):e080021.

Ashcroft R, Woolfall K, Prasad S, Khalil A. Ethical considerations of a randomised controlled trial of fetal intervention versus expectant management in monochorionic twin pregnancies with early-onset selective fetal growth restriction. BJOG. 2025;132(6):694-7.

Mitchell TK, Popa M, Ashcroft RE, Prasad S, Sharp A, Carnforth C; FERN study team; et al. Balancing key stakeholder priorities and ethical principles to design a trial comparing intervention or expectant management for early-onset selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic twin pregnancy: FERN qualitative study. BMJ Open. 2024;14(8):e080488.

Khalil A, Thilaganathan B. Selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic twin pregnancy: a dilemma for clinicians and a challenge for researchers. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2019;53(1):23-25.

Kanokpongsakdi S. Pre-operative diagnosis of alive twin tubal pregnancy. Siriraj Med J. 2020;62(2):71-72.

Published

01-02-2026

How to Cite

Prasetyadi, F. O. H., Tedyanto, C. P., & Saraswati, V. (2026). Selective Fetal Growth Restriction in Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy: A Review of Current Literature on Diagnostic and Therapeutic Updates: . Siriraj Medical Journal, 78(2), 164–174. https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v78i2.278098

Issue

Section

Review Article

Categories