Without treatment, this condition can be fatal for one or both twins. The prognosis is better when TTTS develops after 20 weeks’ gestation.
Twin-twin transfusion syndrome often causes premature birth. In this case, babies need care in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Most babies who are successfully treated for twin-twin transfusion syndrome live normal, healthy lives. However, some experience mild complications, such as anemia. This can be easily treated. More serious problems include brain injury and heart failure. If local specialists are not available, specialists at Cincinnati Children’s can help by providing long-term, expert care for these children.