Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a heartbreaking condition
that can turn the joy of a multiple-birth pregnancy to despair
in a flash.
Sadly, from time to time, we hear from mothers who say they had
never of heard of TTTS until it was too late; they lost one or
both babies. Although we usually run at least one "Special Miracles"
TTTS story every year, we continue to hear from readers: Why don't
you do stories on TTTS? We realize that TTTS is a tragedy unique
to multiples. Therefore, we hope you find this Web page—our
newest TTTS resource—a help and a comfort. And spread the
word on TTTS… all parents of multiples and their friends
and families can be prepared to help women who may face TTTS.
According to the TTTS Foundation, there are at least 4,330 TTTS
cases per year in the U.S. alone, with over 8,500 babies affected.
Without treatment about 80% of twins with TTTS die, either in
the womb or postnatally. In addition, twins who survive are at
risk for having severe cardiac, brain or developmental problems.
We don't know what causes TTTS, but it only occurs in monozygotic
pregnancies in which twins share a placenta… about 10% to
15% of them. And we don't know why it affects some monozygotic
pregnancies and not others. We do know that the blood flow is
uneven from twin to twin across the vessles on the placenta. And
we know several ways to treat it. In the last 20 years or so—ever
since the advent of ultrasound and Dr. Julian DeLia's pioneering
of fetoscopic laser coagulation—our knowledge has grown tremendously.
TWINS Magazine supports the NIH-funded study, The Twin-Twin Transfusion
Trial, headed by Dr. Timothy Crombleholme, director of the Fetal
Care Center of Cincinnati. For more information on this ongoing
study and the recently completed Eurofoetus study.
The Fetal Hope Foundation is the number one resource for TTTS and other fetal syndromes. We highly recommend
visiting www.fetalhope.org. The founders of the Fetal Hope Foundation have identical twin girls that are TTTS survivors and they know first-hand how emotional and helpless families feel. Get the HOPE you need by visiting their website today!
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