Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Overview
Learn About Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a rare condition that occurs only in identical twins while they are in the womb.
TTTS; Fetal transfusion syndrome
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) occurs when the blood supply of one twin moves to the other through the shared placenta. The twin that loses the blood is called the donor twin. The twin that receives the blood is called the recipient twin.
Both infants may have problems, depending on how much blood is passed from one to the other. The donor twin may have too little blood, and the other may have too much blood.
Most of the time, the donor twin is smaller than the other twin at birth. The infant often has anemia, is dehydrated, and looks pale.
The recipient twin is born larger, with redness to the skin, too much blood, and a higher blood pressure. The twin that gets too much blood may develop cardiac failure because of the high blood volume. The infant may also need medicine to strengthen heart function.
The unequal size of identical twins is referred to as discordant twins.
Treatment may require repeated amniocentesis during pregnancy. Fetal laser surgery may be done to stop the flow of blood from one twin to the other during pregnancy.
After birth, treatment depends on the infant's symptoms. The donor twin may need a blood transfusion to treat anemia.
The recipient twin may need to have the volume of body fluid reduced. This may involve an exchange transfusion.
The recipient twin may also need to take medicine to prevent heart failure.
Cleveland Clinic
Amol Malshe is a Neonatologist and an Obstetrics and Gynecologist in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Malshe and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Neonatal Sepsis, Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy, Neonatal Ovarian Cyst, Ovarian Cysts, and Salpingo-Oophorectomy. Dr. Malshe is currently accepting new patients.
Noam Lazebnik is a Neonatologist and an Obstetrics and Gynecologist in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Lazebnik and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Polyhydramnios, Premature Infant, Mosaicism, and Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Dr. Lazebnik is currently accepting new patients.
University Of Cincinnati Physicians Company LLC
Braxton Forde is a Neonatologist and an Obstetrics and Gynecologist in West Chester, Ohio. Dr. Forde and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, Preeclampsia, Anemia, Endoscopy, and Posterior Fossa Decompression. Dr. Forde is currently accepting new patients.
If the twin-to-twin transfusion is mild, both babies often recover fully. Severe cases may result in the death of a twin.
Summary: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the entry technique surgeons use to get inside the uterus to perform fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome has an effect on the rates of chorioamniotic membrane separation.
Summary: The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of KARL STORZ curved fetoscope (11508AAK) and its straight version (11506AAK) for in-utero surgery
Published Date: July 12, 2023
Published By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Malone FD, D'Alton ME. Multiple gestation: clinical characteristics and management. In: Lockwood CJ, Copel JA, Dugoff L, et al, eds. Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 37.
Obican SG, Odibo AO. Invasive fetal therapy. In: Lockwood CJ, Copel JA, Dugoff L, et al, eds. Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 34.
Unal ER, Newman RB. Multiple gestations. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 39.