Can triplets have TTTS?

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare complication of pregnancy that develops in 10-15% of twins when the babies share the same placenta (monochorionic). TTTS can occur in any gestation, even triplets or quadruplets, when two or more babies share their placenta.

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.

How quickly can TTTS develop?

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome typically develops between weeks 16 and 26 of a woman’s pregnancy. But an ultrasound as early as 10 to 14 weeks can put doctors on alert that there is a twin gestation, and if they are sharing a placenta. TTTS is diagnosed by measuring levels of amniotic fluid.

Can you get TTTS after 26 weeks?

Conclusion: In TTTS diagnosed after 26 weeks of gestation, amniodrainage and laser surgery both result in 100% survival. However, infants born after laser surgery have less major neonatal morbidity.

How successful is TTTS surgery?

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.

Do identical triplets share a placenta?

All three babies share the same placenta and chorion. In separate amniotic sacs, or two or more babies can share an amniotic sac.

How do you prevent TTTS?

Although there is no way to prevent TTTS, extra precautions such as early ultrasounds can make a difference for many babies. Jenna hopes other families will learn from their experience and that by sharing her story they can make a difference in the lives of others.

How early can TTTS be treated?

If the syndrome improves on its own—this happens in approximately 60 percent of early stage cases of TTTS—or if laser surgery has been performed, most physicians still prefer to deliver the babies a few weeks before full term (at 36 to 37 weeks) to avoid further complications.

Can you feel TTTS?

In many cases a mother may not experiences symptoms of TTTS. However, some mothers whose twins have TTTS will feel signs of excess amniotic fluid, including: A uterus that measures large for her stage of pregnancy. Feeling like her abdomen is growing or expanding rapidly.

How serious is TTTS?

When TTTS is severe and fetal intervention is not performed, one or both twins die in nearly all cases. Because the twins are connected through blood vessels in the placenta, the death of one is often followed by the death of the other. Those twins who survive may experience severe heart or brain damage.

How can I prevent TTTS?