Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
TTTS; Fetal transfusion syndrome
Symptoms
The donor twin is usually born smaller than the other twin, usually with paleness, anemia, and dehydration.
The recipient twin is born larger, with redness, too much blood, and increased blood pressure. Because of the increased blood volume, the recipient twin may develop cardiac failure and also require medications to strengthen heart function.
The unequal size of identical twins is referred to as discordant twins.
Signs and tests
This condition is usually diagnosed by ultrasound during pregnancy.
After birth, the infants will receive the following tests:
- Blood clotting studies, including prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel to determine electrolyte balance
- Complete blood count
- Chest x-ray
Previous Section
Review Date: 11/01/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound,
Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
