Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: a comprehensive update

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication in about 10% to 20% of monozygous twin gestations with an incidence of 4% to 35% in the United States. Severe TTTS is reported to occur in 5.5% to 17.5% of cases. TTTS is a progressive disease in which sudden deteriorations in clinical status can occur, leading to death of a co-twin. Up to 30% of survivors may have abnormal neurodevelopment as a result of the combination of profound antenatal insult and the complications of severe prematurity. This article presents an overview of what is known about the pathophysiology and the diagnosis of TTTS, the role of echocardiography in TTTS, treatment options available for TTTS, complications of treatment for TTTS, and short- and long-term outcomes of TTTS.