Vanishing twin syndrome (VTS) is a medical complication of multiple pregnancy in which one of the fetuses has died. There is still little knowledge about WF Syndrome, even though it occurs in up to 30 percent of twin pregnancies. What are the causes and symptoms of this condition? Is treatment of a woman diagnosed with Vanishing Fetal Syndrome always necessary? What are the threats of VTS?

Vanishing twin syndrome( VTS- vanishing twin syndrome), otherwisevanishing twin syndromeorvanishing fetus , is considered acomplication of multiple pregnancy , where one fetus dies in the first trimester (usually between weeks 5 and 9, that is, in the embryonic period). Then the dying fetus is resorbed, i.e. naturally absorbed by the mother's body or the other fetus. The remaining fetuses usually develop without complications.

It is estimated thatdisappearing fetal syndromeoccurs in up to 30 percent of twin pregnancies. Research shows that most of these cases are diagnosed in women over 30 (especially if they were treated for infertility).

Vanishing twin syndrome - causes

The causes of Vanishing Twin Syndrome are often unknown. In some cases, the answer comes from an analysis of the placenta and / or fetal tissues, which often reveals chromosomal abnormalities. Another possible cause of fetal death at the beginning of pregnancy is the incorrect placement of the placenta in the uterus or an anomaly of the umbilical cord insertion.

Doctors also suspect that a stronger fetus contributes to the death of one of the fetuses, taking away the weaker (and for example with potential birth defects) nutrients and thus forces his death.

Vanishing twin syndrome: symptoms

Vanishing Fetal Syndrome is usually asymptomatic. Then it is diagnosed during routine examinations by an obstetrician - usually during an ultrasound. During its duration, two pregnancy bubbles are visible, one of which (he althy) is larger than the other.

An ultrasound may show one living fetus, and next to it a gestational vesicle without any contours, or a second fetus without a heartbeat. Usually in subsequent ultrasound examinations it is founddisappearance of a dead fetus.

The death of one fetus can also be determined on the basis of the results of blood tests - after determining the concentration of hormones in the body of the future mother. Their decline means that one fetus has died.

In some cases, the death of one fetus can cause disturbing symptoms resembling a miscarriage. However, their intensity is much less: slight bleeding, mild contractions of the uterus and pelvis, or a mild, stinging pain in the lower abdomen. These symptoms usually appear in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Vanishing twin syndrome: treatment

If the loss of the fetus occurred in the first trimester of pregnancy and there are no complications, neither the mother nor the developing child need additional specialist medical care (including hospitalization).

However, if the fetus is dead in the second or third trimester, it may be considered a high-risk pregnancy. It can lead to premature birth, infection or hemorrhage. There is also a risk of cerebral palsy in a surviving twin.

When is Vanishing Twin Syndrome a threat to mother's life and a he althy fetus?

The prognosis of a surviving fetus is usually very good, but depends on factors contributing to the death of the other twin. The normal development of a he althy fetus is disrupted when the fetus fails in the second or third trimester of pregnancy - the risk of cerebral palsy in the developing child increases. A serious threat to the fetus is a single-chorionic (with one placenta) pregnancy - then, in the short term, the other fetus also dies.

In turn, the threat to the life of the future mother may be intrauterine bleeding, which is a consequence of fetal death.

Category:

Pregnancy