User:Twinstrumentality/TAPS TTTS

Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence TTTS Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence TAPS is a newly recognized and at present rather poorly understood Form of Twin Twin Transfusion Syndrome TTTS. It is thought to be the second most-common Form of TTTS behind Twin Oligo Polyhydramnios Sequence TOPS-Form, generally referred to as simply "TTTS." Differentiation from TOPS-Form. TOPS-Form "Regular TTTS" is characterized by fluids imbalance between Monochorionic Identical Twin Pairs due to aberrant blood vessel growth which upsets the balance of the shared circulation that all monochorionic multiple gestations have. TAPS as the name implies involves no fluids imbalance, only the Erythrocytes are involved. It was originally described in a paper by Slaghekke et. al. in 2007.

Indications. TAPS-Form TTTS is characterized by Anemia in one twin, often profound, and Polycythemia, again often profound, in the other. It should be noted that at present the only way to detect TAPS in a Twin Gestation is by measuring the Middle Cerebral Artery Peak Systolic Velocity (MCA/PSV) for both twins & comparing those readings for Discordance (inequality). Prior TTTS Laser Surgery on the placenta is a Known Risk Factor for TAPS. Characterization. Diagnosis.