What does TTTS mean?

What does TTTS mean?

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare pregnancy condition affecting identical twins or other multiples. TTTS occurs in pregnancies where twins share one placenta (afterbirth) and a network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients essential for development in the womb.

What percentage of twins have TTTS?

With twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, which occurs in 10 to 15 percent of monochorionic twin pregnancies, there is an imbalance in blood flow due to placental vessel connections. One twin (called the “donor” twin) gives too much blood to the “recipient” twin.

Why does TTTS happen?

TTTS is a disease of the mother’s placenta and only occurs when you have twins sharing the same placenta. When that happens, the key problem is abnormal blood vessels within the placenta. The issue with those shared vessels is that one twin gets too much blood flow and the other twin doesn’t get enough.

Can both babies survive TTTS?

In almost 90 percent of those pregnancies, at least one baby will survive and be healthy after leaving the hospital NICU. Having both twins survive advanced TTTS remains a challenge, however. Across all medical centers in the United States, about half of pregnancies treated for TTTS end with two healthy babies.

Can both twins survive TTTS?

The extra fluid in the recipient fetus can put a strain on the heart. This can lead to heart failure. There is no known cause of TTTS. Without treatment, this condition can be fatal for one or both twins….TTTS Surgery Volumes & Outcomes.

What is the survival rate of TTTS?

Survival rates of 60–80% are now commonly reported. 3-6 The other major treatment modality for TTTS is laser ablation of the placental anastomosing vessels, with survival rates of 50–70% having been reported.

What causes TTTS on twins?

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare, serious condition that can occur in pregnancies. This happens when identical twins share a placenta (monochorionic). Abnormal blood vessel connections form in the placenta. They allow blood to flow unevenly between the fetuses.

Does TTTS affect the mother?

Some research suggests that mothers with pregnancies complicated by TTTS may have lower protein levels in their blood than other pregnant women. It may be recommended that mothers with TTTS pregnancies consider additional protein through nutrition supplements such as protein shakes.

How serious is TTTS?

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare yet serious condition, requiring fetal intervention to prevent loss of one or both fetuses. Mayo Clinic is one of a handful of medical centers treating this condition nationwide.

How successful is TTTS surgery?

Abstract. Purpose: Severe, progressive twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is associated with near-100% mortality if left untreated. Endoscopic laser ablation of placental vessels (ELA) is associated with 75% to 80% survival of at least one twin.