Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare, serious condition that can occur in pregnancies where identical twins share a placenta (monochorionic) . Abnormal blood vessel connections form in the placenta, allowing blood to flow unevenly between the fetuses. One twin, called the donor, becomes dehydrated, while the other twin, called the recipient, develops high blood pressure. The recipient produces too much urine and overfills the amniotic sac). The key points about TTTS are:
- TTTS occurs only in monochorionic pregnancies, where two or more genetically identical babies (usually twins) share the same placenta.
- Abnormal blood vessel connections form in the placenta, allowing blood to flow unevenly between the fetuses).
- One twin, called the donor, becomes dehydrated, while the other twin, called the recipient, develops high blood pressure. The recipient produces too much urine and overfills the amniotic sac).
- TTTS is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse if not treated appropriately.
- TTTS usually develops between weeks 16 and 26 of pregnancy and can be easily detected with ultrasound.
- If no action is taken, one or both twins will die in more than 80 percent of cases.
- Treatment for TTTS may include minimally invasive surgery, known as endoscopic laser ablation, which can correct the blood-sharing imbalance caused by TTTS).
There is no known genetic or other cause of TTTS, and it does not occur when the twins are non-identical (frat...
