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Twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome: Is the future getting brighter?
Author(s) -
WALKER Susan P.,
COLE Stephen A.,
EDWARDS Andrew G.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/j.1479-828x.2007.00712.x
Subject(s) - twin twin transfusion syndrome , in utero , medicine , anastomosis , fetoscopy , twin to twin transfusion syndrome , intensive care medicine , fetus , laser therapy , pediatrics , pregnancy , prenatal diagnosis , surgery , laser , genetics , physics , optics , biology
The twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) continues to pose a major challenge in the area of fetal therapy. Untreated, the mortality and morbidity are extremely high, and the fact that there are two structurally normal fetuses at risk makes the case for effective in utero therapy even more compelling. Advances in therapeutic procedures, in particular the development of selective laser photocoagulation of intertwin vascular anastomoses, have improved outcomes, both in terms of survival and survival free of disability. This review examines the pathophysiology, diagnosis, surveillance, contemporary therapies, expected outcomes and ongoing challenges in TTTS.