About Twin to twin transfusion syndrome

What is Twin to twin transfusion syndrome?

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare condition that affects identical twins who share a placenta. It occurs when the blood vessels in the placenta connecting the twins become unbalanced, allowing one twin to receive too much blood and the other too little. This can lead to serious health complications for both twins, including heart failure, anemia, and even death. Treatment options include laser ablation, amnioreduction, and fetoscopic laser surgery.

What are the symptoms of Twin to twin transfusion syndrome?

The most common symptoms of Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) include:

- Unequal growth of the twins
- Excess amniotic fluid in one sac and very little in the other
- Abnormal Doppler flow studies
- Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns
- Abnormal umbilical cord insertion
- Abnormal placental anatomy
- Abnormal fetal movements
- Abnormal fetal size
- Abnormal fetal development
- Abnormal fetal organ development
- Abnormal fetal blood flow
- Abnormal fetal urine output
- Abnormal fetal breathing
- Abnormal fetal behavior

What are the causes of Twin to twin transfusion syndrome?

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is caused by an imbalance in the blood supply between identical twins who share a placenta. This imbalance occurs when the blood vessels in the placenta become connected, allowing one twin to receive too much blood and the other to receive too little. This can lead to complications for both twins, including heart failure, anemia, and growth restriction.

What are the treatments for Twin to twin transfusion syndrome?

The primary treatment for Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a procedure called fetoscopic laser ablation. This procedure involves using a laser to seal off the blood vessels that are connecting the twins and causing the TTTS. Other treatments include amnioreduction, which involves draining excess amniotic fluid from the affected twin, and septostomy, which involves creating a hole in the dividing membrane between the twins to allow for equal sharing of amniotic fluid.

What are the risk factors for Twin to twin transfusion syndrome?

1. Monochorionic placenta: This is the most significant risk factor for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Monochorionic placentas occur when two fetuses share a single placenta.

2. Unequal placental sharing: Unequal placental sharing occurs when one fetus receives more blood flow from the placenta than the other. This can lead to an imbalance in the amount of blood and nutrients each fetus receives.

3. Advanced maternal age: Women over the age of 35 are more likely to have a monochorionic pregnancy, which increases the risk of TTTS.

4. Previous history of TTTS: Women who have had a previous pregnancy affected by TTTS are more likely to have a subsequent pregnancy affected by TTTS.

5. Male

Is there a cure/medications for Twin to twin transfusion syndrome?

Yes, there are treatments available for Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). The most common treatment is laser ablation, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to seal off the blood vessels that are connecting the twins. Other treatments include amnioreduction, which involves draining excess amniotic fluid from the larger twin's sac, and fetoscopic surgery, which involves surgically dividing the connecting vessels. Medications such as indomethacin and sildenafil may also be used to reduce the risk of TTTS.