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Chapter 34 - Diagnosis and Treatment in Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence

from Complications of Monochorionic Multiple Pregnancy: Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 October 2019

By
Lisanne S. A. Tollenaar  and
Femke Slaghekke
Edited by
Mark D. Kilby ,
Anthony Johnson  and
Dick Oepkes
Mark D. Kilby
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham
Anthony Johnson
Affiliation:
University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Dick Oepkes
Affiliation:
Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum
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Summary

Twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is a chronic form of feto-fetal transfusion in monochorionic twins, characterized by large hemoglobin difference at birth. TAPS donors are pale as a result of the chronic anemia, whereas TAPS recipients are plethoric caused by the polycythemia (Figure 34.1). TAPS may occur spontaneously in 2–5% of monochorionic twin pregnancies (spontaneous TAPS), or may develop in 2–16% of monochorionic twins with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated with fetoscopic laser surgery (post-laser TAPS). The cause of post-laser TAPS is the presence of small residual anastomoses [1–5]. The diagnosis of TAPS is relatively new, as the first reports were only published in 2007 [6]. Since then, the worldwide knowledge regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, management and outcome of TAPS has greatly expanded.

Type
Chapter
Information
Fetal Therapy
Scientific Basis and Critical Appraisal of Clinical Benefits
 , pp. 367 - 372
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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