Twin-twin transfusion syndrome and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence in a monochorionic triamniotic pregnancy

Twin Res Hum Genet. 2013 Jun;16(3):716-9. doi: 10.1017/thg.2013.13. Epub 2013 Apr 8.

Abstract

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is an antenatal complication of monochorionic multiple gestations. There have been few studies exploring the role of laser photocoagulation or outcomes following treatment in monochorionic triplet pregnancies with TTTS. We present a case where TTTS and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) complicated a monochorionic triplet pregnancy. Following the laser photocoagulation to treat the TTTS between the triplets, an intra-uterine death occurred in one triplet and TAPS developed in the remaining two triplets. Intervention in this case resulted in a 2-week prolongation of pregnancy and a positive outcome for the remaining fetuses. This case and other published data reviewed in this article suggest that laser photocoagulation has a potential role for TTTS in monochorionic triplet pregnancies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia / complications*
  • Anemia / surgery*
  • Female
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / complications*
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Laser Coagulation*
  • Polycythemia / complications*
  • Polycythemia / surgery*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Pregnancy, Triplet