{"id":71055,"date":"2012-04-25T20:30:07","date_gmt":"2012-04-26T02:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/?p=562"},"modified":"2021-12-09T13:40:35","modified_gmt":"2021-12-09T19:40:35","slug":"twin-to-twin-transfusion-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/healthy-pregnancy\/multiples\/twin-to-twin-transfusion-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)"},"content":{"rendered":"
Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)<\/strong> is a serious disorder that occurs in identical twins and higher-order multiples who share a placenta. This occurs when the blood vessels of the babies’ shared placenta are connected. This results in one baby (this twin is referred to as the recipient) receiving more blood flow, while the other baby (this twin is referred to as the donor) receives too little. Twin to twin transfusion syndrome is also referred to as chronic inter-twin transfusion syndrome.\u00a0TTTS occurs about 15 % of the time among identical twins<\/strong>. Fraternal twins are not at risk for this syndrome because they do not share a placenta.<\/p>\n TTTS is a random event that cannot be prevented by doing or not doing anything specific. It is not a hereditary condition.<\/p>\n Your healthcare provider may suspect this disorder if any of the following is seen during an ultrasound:<\/strong><\/p>\n Up until recently, twin to twin transfusion syndrome has claimed the lives of both babies, but technology has brought about two new treatment options for this condition. Amniocentesis may need to be done repeatedly throughout the pregnancy to maintain proper blood flow in the placenta, while laser surgery usually only requires one treatment.<\/p>\n The Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation recommends that weekly ultrasounds<\/a> be performed after 16 weeks through the end of the pregnancy to monitor TTTS. They recommend that this be done even if the warning signs of TTTS have decreased. <\/p>\n Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious disorder that occurs in identical twins and higher-order multiples who share a placenta. This occurs when the blood vessels of the babies’ shared placenta are connected. This results in one baby (this twin is referred to as the recipient) receiving more blood flow, while the other […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8885,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[201,203,204],"tags":[],"faq-categories":[8401],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat can I do to make sure my twins do not develop Twin to Twin\u00a0Transfusion Syndrome?<\/h2>\n
How is Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome diagnosed?<\/h3>\n
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A mother whose twins have TTTS may experience:<\/h3>\n
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What treatment options are available for Twin to Twin Transfusion\u00a0Syndrome?<\/h3>\n
\nThe use of amniocentesis to drain off excess fluid appears to improve the blood flow in the placenta and reduce the risk of preterm labor.
\nAmniocentesis can save approximately 60% of affected babies. Laser surgery can also be used to seal off the connection between the blood vessels and appears to save 60% of affected babies.
\nDelivery is also an option if your healthcare provider determines the twins\u2019 lungs have reached maturity.<\/p>\nWhat are the advantages of having laser surgery instead of an amniocentesis?<\/h3>\n
What are the potential complications?<\/h3>\n
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Is there anything else that I need to about this diagnosis?<\/h3>\n
\nThe TTTS Foundation can be contacted at https:\/\/www.tttsfoundation.org<\/a>\u00a0or at 1-800-815-9211.<\/p>\nWant to Know More?<\/h4>\n
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