Long-Term Neurodevelopmental and Respiratory Outcome after Intrauterine Therapy for Fetal Thoracic Abnormalities

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate long-term neurodevelopmental and respiratory outcome after fetal therapy for fetal pleural effusion, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, and bronchopulmonary sequestration. Methods: Children ≥18 months of age underwent an assessment of neurologic, motor, and cognitive development. Medical records were reviewed to determine respiratory outcome. Behavioral outcome was assessed using the Child Behavioral Checklist. Results: Between 2001 and 2016, 63 fetuses with fetal hydrops secondary to thoracic abnormalities were treated at our center. Overall perinatal survival was 64% (40/63). Twenty-six children were included for follow-up (median age 55 months). Severe neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) was detected in 15% (4/26). Three out of 4 children with severe NDI had associated causes contributing to the impairment. Overall adverse outcome, including perinatal mortality or NDI, was 55% (27/49). Fifteen percent (4/26) had severe respiratory sequelae. Parents did not report more behavioral problems than Dutch norms. Discussion: Our results suggest that severe NDI in this specific high-risk cohort occurs in 15%, which is above the range of the incidence of NDI reported in case series treated with other fetal therapies (5–10%). Large multicenter studies and an international web-based registry are warranted to prospectively gather outcome data at fixed time points.