Question: How Will TTTS (Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome) Impact My Babies?
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Sydrome is a disorder that impacts about ten percent of monozygotic (identical) twin pregnancies. Find more answers to Frequently Asked Questions About TTTS.
Answer: TTTS (Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome) is a disease of the placenta during pregnancy. It only affects fetuses in utero; once the babies are born, the symptoms of TTTS disappear because the babies' circulatory systems are no longer reliant on the placenta. However, babies impacted by TTTS are often born prematurely, and may suffer the associated consequences, which include cerebral palsy, mental retardation, blindness, asthma, ADHD.
While premature birth is not ideal, it may save the babies' lives. While they remain in the womb, their lives may be at risk. TTTS impacts the welfare of both the donor and recipient babies (see What is TTTS?). The donor twin, who pumps blood into the recipient twin, is at risk for anemia, intrauterine growth retardation and restricted amniotic fluid. The donor can die from blood loss or due to a lack of nutrients. However, the situation is even more dire for the recipient twin, who grows larger and larger as extra blood is shunted into his circulatory system. They are often the victims of heart failure.
Although the situation sounds frightening, modern medical technology has greatly improved the odds of survival. Close monitoring allows doctors an opportunity to intervene before the situation turns dire, while enhancements in the care of premature infants minimizes the risk of longlasting consequences..
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Got a question that's not answered here? Email me at multiples.guide@about.com.
While premature birth is not ideal, it may save the babies' lives. While they remain in the womb, their lives may be at risk. TTTS impacts the welfare of both the donor and recipient babies (see What is TTTS?). The donor twin, who pumps blood into the recipient twin, is at risk for anemia, intrauterine growth retardation and restricted amniotic fluid. The donor can die from blood loss or due to a lack of nutrients. However, the situation is even more dire for the recipient twin, who grows larger and larger as extra blood is shunted into his circulatory system. They are often the victims of heart failure.
Although the situation sounds frightening, modern medical technology has greatly improved the odds of survival. Close monitoring allows doctors an opportunity to intervene before the situation turns dire, while enhancements in the care of premature infants minimizes the risk of longlasting consequences..
Return to the FAQ Index
Got a question that's not answered here? Email me at multiples.guide@about.com.
