twin-twin transfusion
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Related to twin-twin transfusion: placental transfusion syndrome
twin-twin trans·fu·sion
direct vascular anastomosis, arterial or venous, between the placental circulations of twins.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
twin-twin trans·fusion
(twin-twin trans-fyū'zhŭn)Direct vascular anastomosis, arterial or venous, between the placental circulations of twins.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
twin-twin transfusion
A complication of monochorionic multiple pregnancies in which one fetus receives more blood flow than the other from the placenta. It is diagnosed by fetal ultrasonography: one twin's amniotic sac has polyhydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid), while the other twin's sac has oligohydramnios (insufficient amniotic fluid). Death of one or both twins will occur without intervention. Treatments include repeated amniocenteses, laser therapy to prevent the exchange of blood between twins, or intrauterine surgery. Synonym: feto-fetal transfusion
See also: transfusion
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