OBJECTIVETo investigate the complications of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in preterm infants and to analyze the clinical conditions and prognosis of cardiac abnormalities in TTTS recipients.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 17 pairs of preterm infants with TTTS born between June 2009 and December 2012.

RESULTSCompared with the recipients, the donors had significantly lower body weights (1.4±0.6 kg vs 1.9±0.6 kg; P<0.05). With treatment during pregnancy, cardiac complications were found in 14 cases, and brain injuries in 12 cases. The proportion of recipients with cardiac abnormalities (60%) was higher than that of donors (24%). Among 10 recipients who had cardiac complications, cardiac abnormalities mainly included valve thickening, stenosis, or atresia (50%).

CONCLUSIONSAmong preterm infants with TTTS, the recipients are more susceptible to complications of valvular heart disease and cardiomyopathy. Fetal echocardiography, evaluation of cardiac function, and treatment should be performed for recipients as early as possible to improve the prognosis.