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Published in: Trials 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Study protocol

Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome: study protocol for developing, disseminating, and implementing a core outcome set

Authors: Asma Khalil, Helen Perry, James Duffy, Keith Reed, Ahmet Baschat, Jan Deprest, Kurt Hecher, Liesbeth Lewi, Enrico Lopriore, Dick Oepkes, On behalf of the International Collaboration to Harmonise Outcomes for Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome (CHOOSE)

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is associated with an increased risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Several treatment interventions have been described for TTTS, including fetoscopic laser surgery, amnioreduction, septostomy, expectant management, and pregnancy termination. Over the last decade, fetoscopic laser surgery has become the primary treatment. The literature to date reports on many different outcomes, making it difficult to compare results or combine data from individual studies, limiting the value of research to guide clinical practice. With the advent and ongoing development of new therapeutic techniques, this is more important than ever. The development and use of a core outcome set has been proposed to address these issues, prioritising outcomes important to the key stakeholders, including patients. We aim to produce, disseminate, and implement a core outcome set for TTTS.

Methods

An international steering group has been established to oversee the development of this core outcome set. This group includes healthcare professionals, researchers and patients. A systematic review is planned to identify previously reported outcomes following treatment for TTTS. Following completion, the identified outcomes will be evaluated by stakeholders using an international, multi-perspective online modified Delphi method to build consensus on core outcomes. This method encourages the participants towards consensus ‘core’ outcomes. All key stakeholders will be invited to participate. The steering group will then hold a consensus meeting to discuss results and form a core outcome set to be introduced and measured. Once core outcomes have been agreed, the next step will be to determine how they should be measured, disseminated, and implemented within an international context.

Discussion

The development, dissemination, and implementation of a core outcome set in TTTS will enable its use in future clinical trials, systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines. This is likely to advance the quality of research studies and their effective use in order to guide clinical practice and improve patient care, maternal, short-term perinatal outcomes and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Trial registration

Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET), 921 Registered on July 2016.
International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), CRD42016043999. Registered on 2 August 2016.
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Metadata
Title
Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome: study protocol for developing, disseminating, and implementing a core outcome set
Authors
Asma Khalil
Helen Perry
James Duffy
Keith Reed
Ahmet Baschat
Jan Deprest
Kurt Hecher
Liesbeth Lewi
Enrico Lopriore
Dick Oepkes
On behalf of the International Collaboration to Harmonise Outcomes for Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome (CHOOSE)
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-017-2042-0

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