Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a rare, but serious disorder that affects identical twins, also known as monozygotic twins. It specifically has to do with the placenta, an organ that connects a mother to the fetuses. As an infant develops, blood vessels in the babies’ communal placenta connect so blood can travel through while giving the needed nutrients. In general, the blood usually flows the way it should through these vessels, but in the case of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome the blood actually starts to surge disproportionately and that’s where things get tricky. Unfortunately, this puts one or both of the babies in jeopardy.

Possible Complications

With TTTS, as the blood begins to surge unequally, one of the twins does not get what he or she needs. This twin is known as the donor twin. The other twin, commonly referred to as the recipient actually begins to receive too much blood. Complications in this scenario include the recipient twin possibly having heart problems. This occurs because of repeated stress on this organ and the surrounding cardio vascular system. The donor twin can also run into problems. This fetus could actually find itself suffering from anemia, as well as inadequate nourishment.

Treatment

There are various treatment options when it comes to TTTS. One particular procedure is called fetoscopic laser ablation. This type of therapy is basically designed to correct the problems of the blood flow between vessels of the placenta and can be performed under local anesthesia. The operation usually takes less than thirty minutes. In this operation, doctors make a tiny puncture in the woman’s abdomen; insert an endoscope which lets the surgeon stop the vessels that are allowing too little or too much blood between fetuses. This procedure basically uses a laser beam to coagulate the blood in these vessels, essentially blocking them. It should be noted that research has shown that laser the preferred therapy for many doctors for treating TTTS. But with many medical procedures there are risks involved. Research has shown that this surgery accounts for a survival rate of at least one infant of more than 80 percent. Unfortunately, there is also a 5 percent risk of cerebral palsy occurring.

Amnioreduction

Another type of treatment for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is something called amnioreduction. In this less-invasive procedure, doctors remove large volumes of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sack. This helps alleviate the build-up of amniotic fluid.

Serial Amniocentesis

In addition to amnioreduction, doctors sometimes perform what is referred to as Serial amniocentesis. In this is a process doctors try to reduce the recipient twin of too much amniotic fluid. For this method, a needle is utilized to go through the mother’s uterus as well as the recipient twin’s amniotic sac. That sac is then exhausted of fluid.

Your Legal Rights

If a doctor fails to detect and properly treat twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, and a birth defect or fetal death occurs, the medical professional or institution could be held liable.

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome lawyer Jeffrey Killino is not only an experienced lawyer, but a child advocate. When a birth injury occurs, because of a doctor’s negligence, he has the know-how and resources to guide you through the legal process to get what you and your family are entitled to. If your baby has suffered a traumatic birth injury Jeffrey Killino can help. Contact twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome lawyer Jeffrey Killino today at 877-875-2927.