Intravascular pancuronium bromide infusion for prenatal diagnosis of twin-twin transfusion syndrome

Fetal Diagn Ther. 1992;7(1):36-40. doi: 10.1159/000263648.

Abstract

The diagnosis of twin-twin transfusion syndrome remains a problem. Intravascular infusion of pancuronium bromide, a nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, for the smaller of a set of twins demonstrated paralysis of both twins in one case. However, in a second case, paralysis was shown only in the smaller twin who demonstrated no transplacental vascular communications postnatally. We suggest that infusion of pancuronium bromide, 'pancuronium test', is a simple and safe method for confirming transplacental communications and aids in the diagnosis of twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / diagnosis*
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / physiopathology
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / surgery
  • Heart Rate, Fetal / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infusions, Parenteral
  • Laser Therapy
  • Male
  • Pancuronium* / administration & dosage
  • Placenta / blood supply
  • Placenta / surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods*

Substances

  • Pancuronium