Work

Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome and Maternal Symptomatology—An Exploratory Analysis of Patient Experiences When Reporting Complaints

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess patient experiences when reporting symptoms of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) to their health-care providers. METHODOLOGY: The study utilized an online, retrospective survey of women, over the age of 18, who were living in the United States at the time of their pregnancy and had completed a TTTS pregnancy. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-seven cases were included for analysis. Nearly half of the respondents (45.2%) reported experiencing maternal symptoms prior to TTTS diagnosis. The average number of symptoms experienced was 2.85. The average gestational week of symptom onset was 18.2. A total of 76.2% of respondents experiencing symptoms shared these concerns with their health-care provider; however, slightly more than half (51.2%) believed that the provider dismissed their complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a disconnect between patients' reporting TTTS symptoms and health-care providers responding attentively, as perceived by the patient. It would be advantageous for health-care providers to inform women pregnant with a monochorionic-diamniotic pregnancy to immediately report the presence of any symptom described in the present research, which may be associated with any number of twin pregnancy-related complications.

Source: Journal of Patient Experience

DOI: 10.1177/2374373517736760

Authors: Lauren Nicholas, Rebecca Fischbein, Lynn Falletta, Kristin Baughman

Institutions: D'Youville University, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Kent State University

Language: English

Topic: Assisted Reproductive Technology and Twin Pregnancy

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,380