Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS)

Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS)

  • Overview
  • Approach
  • Appointments
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Locations

    • What is Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence? 

    Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence is a condition in monochorionic twin pregnancies where slow blood vessel connections cause uneven blood flow, leading to one twin becoming anemic and the other polycythemic. TAPS occurs spontaneously in approximately 6% of monochorionic twins and, when spontaneous, is most often diagnosed after 26 weeks’ gestation. It is also seen to occur in a small number of cases after fetoscopic laser surgery for TTTS.

    Our Approach

    The Fetal Diagnosis & Treatment Center at U-M Health has extensive experience caring for all types of multiple gestations. Our maternal fetal medicine physicians provide the highest level of prenatal assessment and delivery planning and our neonatology physicians provide neonatal intensive care for those pregnancies that do require preterm delivery.

    Appointment Information

    To make an appointment, please call 734-763-6295.

    Diagnosis

    Prenatally, the hemoglobin levels can be estimated from measuring blood flow through the fetal brain with middle cerebral artery Doppler ultrasounds. The blood flow in the brain of one fetus will be elevated, suggesting anemia, and the other fetus will have low blood flow velocities, suggesting a high hemoglobin. At birth, pregnancies complicated with TAPS will have a significant difference in hemoglobin levels between the two fetuses.

    Treatment

    Currently, the best treatment for TAPS has not been established and options may be guided by gestational age. Potential treatment options may include a blood transfusion to the anemic fetus or fetoscopic laser ablation for spontaneous TAPS depending on gestational age. If the gestational age is advanced, the best treatment may be delivery.

    Locations
    • Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center | Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital 1540 E Hospital Dr
      Floor 9
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-4264       Get Directions

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