Acute Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Resulting in Fetal Bradycardia and Neonatal Death: A Case Report

Abstract

In monochorionic twins with no evidence of chronic twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome or twin anemia-polycythemia sequence, a sudden onset of fetal transfusion syndrome after the second trimester of pregnancy is defined as acute twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Labor pain, change in the fetal position, and birth order are known risk factors for this condition, and the hemoglobin level of the donor twin is usually reported to be <12 g/dL. We report a recent case of acute twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome without effective labor pain causing cervical changes, resulting in fetal bradycardia and neonatal death after birth; however, the anemia of the donor twin was not as severe as has been reported previously in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome cases.

Keywords

• acute twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
• anemia of donor twin
• fetal bradycardia
• monochorionic twin
• neonatal death