The twin transfusion syndrome. Clinical observations on 35 affected pairs

Abstract

The twin transfusion or fetofetal transfusion syndrome is a relatively rare but interesting condition occurring in twins. It is one of the contributory factors to the increased morbidity and mortality in twin pregnancies. The weight difference between twin members presenting with this syndrome may be very marked in some instances; minimal in others. It has therefore been postulated that two types of this syndrome exist: a 'chronic' form existing during pregnancy, and an 'acute' form occurring only during parturition. The large numbers of deliveries occurring in the Kandang Kerbau Hospital, Singapore (about 25,000 annually) provided an opportunity for this condition to be studied, since a fair number of twins would be invariably delivered. It was therefore thought that an analysis of the data using the above concept might be worthwhile; the veracity of the concept could be assessed and perhaps its applicability extended. The present paper is an attempt at such a study.