Pioneering treatment saves identical twins from rare pregnancy condition
Summary
A new, non-invasive treatment using focused ultrasound waves has been tested to help identical twins affected by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a condition causing uneven blood flow between twins sharing a placenta. In a small trial, the treatment successfully sealed problem blood vessels, allowing some babies to be born healthy without the need for surgery.Key Facts
- TTTS affects about 10-15% of identical twins who share a placenta, roughly 300-400 pregnancies a year in the UK.
- The condition causes uneven blood flow, with one twin receiving too much blood and the other not enough, which can be dangerous.
- Traditional treatments involve inserting needles or scopes into the womb to drain fluid or seal vessels using lasers.
- The new procedure uses high-powered ultrasound waves to seal small blood vessels without surgery.
- The trial treated 10 women; half required additional treatments, and 12 out of 20 babies survived.
- The ultrasound treatment blocked blood flow in 90% of targeted vessels and caused no harmful side effects.
- Larger studies are needed before the treatment can be widely used.
- Parents and doctors see this as a hopeful, less invasive option for managing TTTS.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
