Quantitative fetal fibronectin, cervical length and vaginal microbiota for the prediction of preterm birth in twin pregnancies undergoing fetal laser surgery

This bursary was awarded in memory of Eva Boyle, a much-missed, forever-loved twin. We are grateful to Eva’s family who kindly donated towards this study.

Laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) can dramatically increase the chances of survival for at least one twin, but can also increase the risk of babies being born prematurely, which carries its own difficulties.

This study will examine fetal fibronectin (a protein which joins the amniotic sac to the uterus), the length of the cervix and vaginal microbiota (bacteria and other microorganisms in the vagina) to see if they can be used to accurately predict the risk of preterm birth following laser surgery

This study is being carried out by Lindsay M Kindinger at University College London, and was funded by the Twins Trust and BMFMS research bursaries.