What Are the Five Stages of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome?

In This Article:
  1. Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Puts Both Children at Risk
  2. Filing a Birth Injury Lawsuit Serves Two Purposes
  3. Deciding Whether to Take Legal Action for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
  4. Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group for Help Today
twin babies sleeping

The five stages of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome are also referred to as the Quintero staging system. This system measures the severity of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome based on the difference in the amount of fluid present in and around each twin. The five stages are described like this:

  • I: There is more fluid around one twin than the other.
  • II: Fluid imbalance continues to increase, causing bladder problems in one of the twins.
  • III: An ultrasound shows worsening blood flow abnormalities between the twins.
  • IV: One fetus becomes severely swollen.
  • V: One or both fetuses die.

Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Puts Both Children at Risk

Put simply, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) occurs when one twin (the “recipient twin”) siphons off blood and other fluids from their sibling (the “donor twin”). If left untreated, the donor twin may suffer organ damage, or they may not get enough nutrients while in the womb. The recipient twin is at increased risk of heart trouble.

Once your doctor diagnoses TTTS, they have several treatment options, depending on what stage the condition is in. One common treatment is laser surgery, a non-invasive treatment that aims to restore balance to your children’s blood flow.

Per Johns Hopkins Medicine, TTTS is a rare but potentially fatal condition. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, you may lose one or both of your children, and surviving children may be left with permanent medical issues. If you believe your doctor acted inappropriately at any time and that their actions caused your children’s injury, you can consider taking legal action against them.

Filing a Birth Injury Lawsuit Serves Two Purposes

When you sue a doctor or medical facility, you are standing up for your right to competent medical care. You are also holding the liable parties accountable for your children’s injuries and the medical treatment they received that fell below the accepted standard of care.

Second, you are seeking monetary damages to help you pay for the expenses you incurred because of the TTTS and make up for the physical and emotional suffering you went through. Examples of economic (financial) damages include:

  • Loss of wages: You or your partner had to take a leave of absence from work to deal with the effects of TTTS on your children.
  • Medical bills: Your children required (or will require in the future) additional treatment to deal with TTTS symptoms.
  • Funeral expenses: You had to arrange for a funeral and burial after losing one or both children to TTTS.

Examples of non-economic (physical and emotional) damages include:

  • Pain and suffering: Your children were put through unnecessary distress and anguish because of your doctor’s mistreatment.
  • Loss of consortium: The death of your child(ren) has deprived you of the opportunity to raise and develop a relationship with them.
  • Diminished quality of life: One or both of your children will be dealing with the effects of TTTS for years to come.

Deciding Whether to Take Legal Action for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Is it really worth filing a lawsuit when you are busy trying to help your children recover or grieving the loss of your children? Only you and your family can answer that question. If you would like help with making that decision or filing your lawsuit, consider hiring the Birth Injury Lawyers Group to:

  • Assess your case for free: We will listen to your case and evaluate its viability at no charge.
  • Explain your options: Your lawyer can help you understand your legal options and guide you in making decisions that work for you and your family.
  • Gather all available evidence: Corroborating evidence is an essential part of a strong lawsuit.
  • Negotiate with the insurer: If the liable party’s insurance company does not offer you a fair settlement right away, your lawyer can fight for more.
  • Take your case to court: In cases where negotiating is not an option or is unsuccessful, your lawyer can present your case at trial.
  • Communicate with others: You do not have to meet, speak, or interact with the liable party or their representatives. That is your lawyer’s responsibility.

Your child’s prognosis changes depending on when they were diagnosed. If it was early in the five stages of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, they stand a better chance of survival and recovery.

Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group for Help Today

Once you have seen to your children’s medical needs, consider hiring an attorney from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group to protect your family’s rights. Call us at (800) 222-9529 for a free consultation.

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