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From High Risk Pregnancy To Happy Family: Twin Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Brandon Cox

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Published in Twin To Twin: From High Risk Pregnancy To Happy Family (Twin Twin Transfusion Syndrome Pregnancy Crisis Overcoming Pediatric Emergency)

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Twin to Twin: From High-Risk Pregnancy to Happy Family (Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, Pregnancy Crisis, Overcoming Pediatric Emergency)

by Crystal Duffy

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Twin Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a rare but serious condition that can occur in pregnancies with identical twins who share a placenta. It occurs when there is an uneven division of blood flow between the twins, with one twin receiving more blood than the other. This can lead to a number of serious health problems for both twins, including premature birth, low birth weight, and even death.

Causes of TTTS

The exact cause of TTTS is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by an abnormal development of the placenta. In identical twin pregnancies, the twins share a placenta, which is the organ that provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetuses. In TTTS, there is an uneven division of blood flow between the twins, with one twin receiving more blood than the other. This can lead to a number of problems, including:

The twin receiving more blood (the donor twin) may become overweight and have a high risk of heart failure.
The twin receiving less blood (the recipient twin) may become underweight and have a high risk of anemia.
Both twins may be at risk of developing polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid) or oligohydramnios (too little amniotic fluid).

Symptoms of TTTS

The symptoms of TTTS can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Uneven growth of the twins
Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid) or oligohydramnios (too little amniotic fluid)
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Heart failure
Anemia
Death

Diagnosis of TTTS

TTTS is typically diagnosed during a routine ultrasound examination. During an ultrasound, the doctor can check the growth of the twins, the amount of amniotic fluid, and the blood flow between the twins. If TTTS is suspected, the doctor may order additional tests, such as a fetal echocardiogram (a detailed ultrasound of the heart) or an amniocentesis (a procedure to remove a sample of amniotic fluid).

Treatment of TTTS

The treatment for TTTS depends on the severity of the condition. In some cases, the doctor may recommend monitoring the pregnancy closely and intervening if the condition worsens. In other cases, the doctor may recommend surgery to correct the uneven blood flow between the twins. Surgery is typically performed between 16 and 26 weeks of pregnancy.

Prognosis for TTTS

The prognosis for TTTS depends on the severity of the condition and the timeliness of treatment. With early diagnosis and treatment, the majority of twins with TTTS can be born healthy. However, even with treatment, there is a risk of complications, including premature birth, low birth weight, and death.

TTTS is a rare but serious condition that can occur in pregnancies with identical twins who share a placenta. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of TTTS and to seek medical care immediately if you suspect that your twins may have this condition. With early diagnosis and treatment, the majority of twins with TTTS can be born healthy.

If you are pregnant with identical twins, there are a few things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing TTTS:

Get regular prenatal care.
Attend all of your scheduled ultrasound examinations.
Be aware of the symptoms of TTTS and contact your doctor immediately if you suspect that your twins may have this condition.

Twin to Twin: From High-Risk Pregnancy to Happy Family (Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, Pregnancy Crisis, Overcoming Pediatric Emergency)

by Crystal Duffy

4.6 out of 5