Faded Twin Syndrome
The first known of the existence of Faded Twin Syndrome was in 1945. In many cases of double or multiple pregnancies, some fetuses disappear without us noticing right away.
We often hear of cases in which two or more babies are identified in early pregnancy. Pregnancy is recognized as being with twins, and thus begins to develop.
However, after a while, it happens that one of the identified fetuses disappears.
It is also known as “twin escape,” which explains that fetal tissue disappears without apparent consequences. According to experts, what happens is that the missing fetus is actually the victim of an involuntary abortion.
How is fading diagnosed?
Before starting to use the
ultrasound
for monitoring the pregnancy, it was difficult to identify the “twin escape”. However, ultrasound tests are currently performed from the earliest days of pregnancy.
Therefore, it is known that twins or multiple fetuses are detected in the first trimester. Therefore, the following follow-up tests will show that there has been a change as one of the twins’ heart sounds is no longer heard.
Previously, the fading of one of the fetuses was detected after delivery. Then, the placenta was analyzed and it was understood that one of the fetuses had died. However, nowadays, within the first 7 weeks, an accurate diagnosis can already be obtained.
When the mother returns from her prenatal appointment after learning that she is expecting twins, it is discovered that one is missing.
However, surprisingly, in many cases it is possible that the mother had the symptoms of miscarriage. Given this situation, the ultrasound reveals that the other twin survived and is doing well.
This twin syndrome known as fading has an incidence of up to 30% in multiple pregnancies.
It has been found to happen more often in mothers over 30 years old. This estimate corresponds to diagnoses made since the ultrasound applied at an early stage of pregnancy.
Why does this syndrome occur?
The exact causes of fading are unknown. However, there is sufficient evidence that the fading twin may have suffered from genetic disorders since its formation. This assumption is the result of tests performed on the placenta after delivery.
In this sense, the missing twin would have had an anomaly from the start. That is, it is not something that happens suddenly.
Often, one fetal tissue showed chromosomal abnormalities, while the other fetus continued to develop normally. Another possible cause could be an improper implant.
Possible consequences for survivors
Survivors are understood as the fetuses that are still alive and also the mother. Depending on the stage at which the abortion takes place, different outcomes may occur.
For example, if fading occurs in the first trimester, it usually has no symptoms or serious consequences. However, everything depends on the causes that caused the disappearance of the other twin.
If the miscarriage occurs in the second or third trimester, there may be greater risks for the surviving baby. Among the possible sequelae, there is even cerebral palsy.
If the fetus dies during the embryonic period, the placenta, fluid and all fetal tissue are reabsorbed. In most cases, this is because the surviving twin exerts pressure on the tissue, flattening it completely.
Two types of flattening can be identified. At birth, the fleeing twin is named as follows.
- Compressed fetus: when an easily identified flattened fact is found.
- Papyraceous fetus: its absorption and/or fading is only noticed by analyzing the placenta or by loss of fluid.
In summary, Faded Twin Syndrome can be identified by the appearance of symptoms such as bleeding, pelvic pain, or uterine cramps during the first trimester.
Faced with these signs, it is recommended to seek medical attention urgently. In general, neither the mother nor the other twin need treatment.
However, when fading occurs during the second or third trimester, it is possible that the pregnancy is considered high risk.
An ultrasound will reveal whether pregnancy is viable. Otherwise, induced abortion or waiting for a miscarriage is recommended.
