PRENATAL MANAGEMENT OF THE TWIN-TWIN TRAN SFUSION SYNDROME

The twin-twin transfusion syndrome is a rare but severe complication i n monozygotic twins. A total of 172 twin pregnancies were investigated in our hospital between January 1990 and August 1993. The patients we re divided into 4 groups: Group I: Normal twin pregnancy, treatment on ly in our hospital. Group II: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome, treatmen t only in our hospital. Group III: Normal twin pregnancy, delivery in another hospital. Group IV: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome, after trea tment and therapy delivery in another hospital. These cases were analy sed concerning prenatal management and perinatal outcome. The perinata l mortality rate in group I-IV was 17 %, 58 %, 18 % and 60 %, respecti vely. A benefit of aggressive amniocentesis in case of polyhydramnios, administration of digoxin and timing of labour could be demonstrated.