Unequal but monozygous: a history of twin-twin transfusion syndrome
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Michael Obladen
Abstract
Twin-twin transfusion is the major cause of mortality and morbidity in monochorionic twins. Its pathogenesis has been gradually elucidated over the last three centuries. Among obstetricians, there was a long-lasting controversy on the existence of placental anastomoses and whether or not to tie the placental end of the firstborn infant's cord. However, a twin pregnancy practically never could be excluded. Stalpart van der Wiel described a twin-twin vessel connection in 1687. Studies on interfetal anastomoses using injection of placental vessels were published by Smellie in 1752, Osiander in 1781, and Brachet in 1821. Different types of anastomoses, and their associated fetal disorders were classified by Schatz in a series of papers at the end of the 19th century. With the advent of ultrasound and laser techniques, prenatal diagnosis and treatment became available in the last decade of the 20th century.
©2010 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York
Articles in the same Issue
- Expert panel recommendation
- A template for defining the perinatal care of monochorionic twins: the Istanbul international ad hoc committee
- Recommendations and guidelines for perinatal practice
- Guidelines for the management of postterm pregnancy
- Review article
- Unequal but monozygous: a history of twin-twin transfusion syndrome
- Original articles – Obstetrics
- Retinol binding protein 4 – a novel association with early-onset preeclampsia
- Metabolic parameters and perinatal outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
- Retinol-binding protein 4: a novel adipokine implicated in the genesis of LGA in the absence of gestational diabetes mellitus
- Preferences of caregiver when experiencing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
- Original articles – Fetus
- Pentraxin 3 in amniotic fluid: a novel association with intra-amniotic infection and inflammation
- Puerperal symphysis fundus distance: normal values
- Comparison of non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram to Doppler cardiotocogram during the 1st stage of labor
- Acceptability of the fetal electrocardiographic (STAN®) monitoring system by staff at a high risk maternity unit
- Comparison of a computer system evaluation of intrapartum cardiotocographic events and a consensus of clinicians
- Loss of FHR variability diagnosed by frequency analysis
- Oxygen utilization in newborns at delivery
- Original articles – Newborn
- Recent dramatic increase in the male-to-female sex ratio of babies born in Hong Kong
- Intracerebral transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord blood alleviates hypoxic ischemic brain injury in rat neonates
- Letters to the Editor
- Comment to “The prognosis of pregnancy conceived despite the presence of an intrauterine device (IUD)”
- Advanced maternal age and prenatal diagnosis
- Reply
- Advanced maternal age and prenatal diagnosis
- Congress Calendar
- Congress Calendar
Articles in the same Issue
- Expert panel recommendation
- A template for defining the perinatal care of monochorionic twins: the Istanbul international ad hoc committee
- Recommendations and guidelines for perinatal practice
- Guidelines for the management of postterm pregnancy
- Review article
- Unequal but monozygous: a history of twin-twin transfusion syndrome
- Original articles – Obstetrics
- Retinol binding protein 4 – a novel association with early-onset preeclampsia
- Metabolic parameters and perinatal outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
- Retinol-binding protein 4: a novel adipokine implicated in the genesis of LGA in the absence of gestational diabetes mellitus
- Preferences of caregiver when experiencing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
- Original articles – Fetus
- Pentraxin 3 in amniotic fluid: a novel association with intra-amniotic infection and inflammation
- Puerperal symphysis fundus distance: normal values
- Comparison of non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram to Doppler cardiotocogram during the 1st stage of labor
- Acceptability of the fetal electrocardiographic (STAN®) monitoring system by staff at a high risk maternity unit
- Comparison of a computer system evaluation of intrapartum cardiotocographic events and a consensus of clinicians
- Loss of FHR variability diagnosed by frequency analysis
- Oxygen utilization in newborns at delivery
- Original articles – Newborn
- Recent dramatic increase in the male-to-female sex ratio of babies born in Hong Kong
- Intracerebral transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord blood alleviates hypoxic ischemic brain injury in rat neonates
- Letters to the Editor
- Comment to “The prognosis of pregnancy conceived despite the presence of an intrauterine device (IUD)”
- Advanced maternal age and prenatal diagnosis
- Reply
- Advanced maternal age and prenatal diagnosis
- Congress Calendar
- Congress Calendar