Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a very uncommon occurrence. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), an estimated 6,000 infants are affected annually. However, it is difficult to fully pinpoint how common twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is, as this condition may be underdiagnosed.
Limited to identical twins and other pregnancies of multiples where a placenta is shared, this condition affects the amount of blood and nutrients the fetuses can receive. TTTS leads to an imbalance in the typical exchange of blood between twins, causing one to receive too much while the other receives too little. For differing reasons, TTTS might be fatal to each twin.
Treatment Options for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
The imbalanced exchange of blood that TTTS causes might be diagnosed by ultrasound, measurements of the amniotic fluid, and other tests and exams. Once detected, the mother should be carefully monitored to prevent premature rupturing of the amniotic sac and other complications.
According to a study cited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), infants born earlier than 28 weeks while suffering from TTTS are likely to experience neurological complications.
Prenatal care after a TTTS diagnosis should also include careful and detailed monitoring of both fetal hearts. Using the Quintero staging system, doctors may track each twin’s blood volume and heart function.
Surgery
In particularly severe or complex cases of TTTS, fetal surgery might be necessary. This surgery is performed in utero—before delivery—and may offer the possibility of correcting the imbalanced blood flow that compromises the health of the babies.
If your prenatal care did not lead to the detection of TTTS, or if TTTS was diagnosed but not effectively treated, you might have the basis of a medical malpractice lawsuit. Our birth injury lawyer might be able to help you determine if negligence by a member of your health care team entitles you to financial compensation.
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Explore Your Options for Financial Compensation
To prove medical malpractice, you and your legal team will need to establish that the medical team owed you a standard of care, did not provide care that met the prevailing standard, and caused physical and financial damages as a result. Once the required legal elements of negligence have been met, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- TTTS-related medical expenses
- Your infants’ physical pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Disabilities the TTTS led to
You do not have to calculate your damages or fight for financial recovery on your own. Our legal team can help you prepare your lawsuit and estimate its value. We can also represent you throughout the process and keep you informed of the deadline to file while building your case.
Time Matters in Your Fight for Financial Recovery
Your infants may require ongoing medical and familial support after a diagnosis of TTTS. While you focus on the health of your children and their available treatment options, your legal team can focus on recovering compensation for you. Hiring a birth injury law firm right away may help preserve your ability to seek compensation.
In the U.S., each state has a statute of limitations that determines how much time you have to file a lawsuit. The laws of your state may also afford you the ability to toll, or pause, the statutory timeline in birth injury cases. A birth injury lawyer who is familiar with the laws in your state can help you understand the timeline and how it affects your lawsuit.
In addition to helping you comply with the statute of limitations, your lawyer can also consult medical experts, interview or depose members of your health care team, and make sure your potential lawsuit meets all required legal elements.
Get Help from a Birth Injury Lawyer Today
If twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome complicated your pregnancy and compromised the health of your babies, you may be eligible for financial recovery. The pain, suffering, long-term health complications, and financial trouble this condition can lead to should not go unaddressed.
If there is evidence of medical negligence connected to your infants’ TTTS, our team might be able to help you fight for damages. Get help today by calling the client intake team at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group. Call (800) 222-9529 for a free consultation.
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