What is twin blood transfusion syndrome?

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome is also known as Twin-twin transfusion syndrome -TTTS, a disease incidence of 0.1-1.9 / 1,000 babies. The syndrome occurs during pregnancy when the pregnant mother twins share the same egg and the same placenta.

When you have twin blood transfusion syndrome, if untreated, 90-100% of the fetus will die.

The syndrome results in an uneven distribution of blood between the unborn babies due to abnormalities in the placenta, causing blood flow to one fetus to be transferred to the other fetus through the placenta. One fetus gave blood and one fetus received blood. The fetus will receive blood normally, which will be larger, the blood pressure will be higher than normal, the other fetus will not receive enough blood, nutrients and oxygen so it will be smaller. When you have twin blood transfusion syndrome, if untreated, 90-100% of the fetus will die. In case one of the fetuses dies, the remaining 25% will experience severe neurological sequelae.

Some women who have twins blood transfusion syndrome exhibit abdominal pain, spasms or tightness, a sudden increase in body weight, swollen hands and feet in the early stages of pregnancy, increased blood pressure. . Pregnant women with twins can be detected early by regular ultrasound.

Treatment of twin syndrome by selective abortion surgery, blood transfusion for fetus in uterus. laser ablation between the two fetuses . Laser surgery treatment at 16-26 weeks gestation is the current optimal method.

Doctors recommend that, during pregnancy, especially twins, women need regular ultrasound during pregnancy to control the size and health status of the fetus in the abdomen.