According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

TTTS occurs when blood moves from one twin to the other. Both infants may have problems depending on the severity of the transfusion. The donor twin may have too little blood, and the other may have too much blood. The donor twin may need a blood transfusion, while the recipient twin may need to have the amount of blood in his or her body reduced. The donor twin is usually born smaller than the other twin, usually with paleness, anemia and dehydration. The recipient twin is born larger, with redness, too much blood and increased blood pressure. Because of the increased blood volume, the recipient twin may develop cardiac failure and also require medications to strengthen heart function. The unequal size of identical twins is referred to as discordant twins.

By effectively interpreting ultrasound information during pregnancy, a doctor can order tests that include:

• Blood clotting studies, including prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
• Comprehensive metabolic panel to determine electrolyte balance
• Complete blood count
• Chest X-ray

In order to treat the disease, a doctor may order fetal laser surgery to stop blood flow between the twins. It is important to realize that twins who are diagnosed with TTTS are already at a heightened exposure for a birth injury and may have a 10-30 percent likelihood of fatality depending on severity. That said, when medical staff members do not order the proper tests or undertake the proper procedure and a baby is injured, they need to be held accountable.

If your child was injured due to TTTS and you believe medical negligence contributed, it is important to understand your circumstances and to what you may be entitled.