Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare pregnancy condition affecting identical twins or other multiples. TTTS occurs in pregnancies where twins share one placenta (afterbirth) and a network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients essential for development in the womb.
The majority of TTTS twins who have appropriate treatment during pregnancy will survive and the majority of survivors will be normal and healthy. If untreated, the survival rate for TTTS twins is approximately 10 to 15 percent.
How is twin to twin transfusion treated?
Laser fetal surgery is the only treatment that targets the cause of the TTTS. In this procedure, a laser fiber enclosed in a long, thin telescope is inserted into the uterus to separate the blood vessels on the placenta that run from one twin to the other.
Does twin to twin transfusion only happen with identical twins?
Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a condition that occurs only in monochorionic pregnancies — ones in which two or more genetically identical babies (usually twins) share the same placenta. Although all identical twins share a placenta, TTTS develops in about 10 to 15 percent of those pregnancies.
What happens when one twin is bigger than the other?
Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a prenatal condition in which twins share unequal amounts of the placenta’s blood supply resulting in the two fetuses growing at different rates. 70% of identical twins share a placenta, and 15-20% of these pregnancies are affected by TTTS.
What happens if one twin is smaller than the other?
Have unequal distribution of blood and nutrients between them. As a result, one twin may be much smaller. This is called selective intrauterine growth restriction. Also share blood vessels.
What are the symptoms of twin to twin transfusion syndrome?
– A feeling of rapid growth of the uterus.
– A large uterus.
– Abdominal pain or tightness.
– Premature contractions.
– Sudden increase in weight.
– Swelling of hands and feet in early pregnancy.
How long does TTTS surgery take?
At the Colorado Fetal Care Center, our maternal fetal medicine specialists can complete the entire TTTS surgery in less than 30 minutes, and, many times, we’re able to complete the laser portion of the SFLP in less than 5 minutes.
What is twin to twin transfusion surgery?
Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a prenatal condition in which twins share unequal amounts of the placenta’s blood supply resulting in the two fetuses growing at different rates. 70% of identical twins share a placenta, and 15-20% of these pregnancies are affected by TTTS.
Will smaller twin catch up?
Most twins, triplets and more grow and develop along roughly the same lines as their singleton peers – even those who start out much smaller will catch up in time. But there is nothing to say twins, triplets or more have to reach milestones at the same time as each other.
Are your chances of having twins higher if you are a twin?
Your chances of having fraternal twins may be higher if you’re a fraternal twin yourself or if fraternal twins run in your family. One reason for this may be hyperovulation, which is a situation where the body releases two or more eggs during ovulation — basically a requirement for having fraternal twins.
Do twins grow up to be smaller?
It has been well documented that twins are shorter at birth than are singletons and that a difference in body height remains for at least a few years after birth (1–4).
Can twins survive TTTS?
The majority of TTTS twins who have appropriate treatment during pregnancy will survive and the majority of survivors will be normal and healthy. If untreated, the survival rate for TTTS twins is approximately 10 to 15 percent.
Why does twin to twin transfusion happen?
With twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, which occurs in 10 to 15 percent of monochorionic twin pregnancies, there is an imbalance in blood flow due to placental vessel connections. One twin (called the “donor” twin) gives too much blood to the “recipient” twin.
How common is twin to twin transfusion syndrome?
Twin-twin transfusion syndrome affects approximately 5 to 15 percent of identical twin pregnancies, meaning that approximately 6,000 babies may be affected each year.
Will both twins survive?
In almost 90 percent of those pregnancies, at least one baby will survive and be healthy after leaving the hospital NICU. Having both twins survive advanced TTTS remains a challenge, however. Across all medical centers in the United States, about half of pregnancies treated for TTTS end with two healthy babies.
What is a twin to twin transfusion?
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare pregnancy condition affecting identical twins or other multiples. TTTS occurs in pregnancies where twins share one placenta (afterbirth) and a network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients essential for development in the womb.
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