Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Advances in Research and Future Treatments

In most cases, the donor twin is smaller than the other baby. Apart from this, he may have problems like anemia, lack of water and yellowing of the skin.

The recipient twin is larger than the other twin, i.e. the donor twin. Due to the higher amount of blood, he may have problems like redness on his skin and high blood pressure. The child who has excess blood may be at risk of cardiac failure (heart not pumping properly). In such a situation, the baby may have to be given medicine to improve the heart functions.

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When twins are born, both get nutrition from the same umbilical cord. When this umbilical cord starts flowing more blood to one fetus and less to the other, then in this situation, Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) occurs. This increases the amount of blood in the other child.

Due to this syndrome, this problem depends on how much excess or lack of blood has occurred in both the babies.

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The condition is often diagnosed through ultrasound during pregnancy. After birth, babies will undergo the following tests:

Prothrombin time test (blood test that measures the time it takes for plasma in the blood to clot) and partial thromboplastin time test (screening test that helps evaluate the ability of blood to clot) to determine their blood clotting ability

• Comprehensive metabolic panel to determine electrolyte balance
• Complete blood count
• Chest X-ray

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Treatment of this syndrome may require periodic amniocentesis (checking for abnormalities in the fetus). During pregnancy, fetal laser surgery is used. This is a special type of surgery that can stop the blood supply from one baby to the other.

After birth, babies are treated based on the symptoms of the disease. The donor twin may receive a blood transfusion to treat anemia. The recipient baby may need to lose excess fluids. Medication may also be needed to prevent complications such as heart failure.

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Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare condition that occurs when twin fetuses share a single placenta in the womb. It involves uneven distribution of blood vessels in the placenta, causing more blood to flow from one fetus (donor) to the other (receiver). The donor fetus may suffer from nutritional and oxygen deficiency, while the receiver fetus has more blood flow causing increased pressure on the heart and other organs.

This condition can be dangerous for both fetuses if not treated in time. It is diagnosed through ultrasound, and treatment may involve laser surgery, amnioreduction, or other methods. Regular check-ups and expert advice for pregnant women play an important role in managing this condition.