title: Pathophysiology of polyhydramnios in twin transfusion syndrome.
abstract: In 3 cases of severe twin transfusion syndrome we demonstrate that the concentration of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in the cord blood of recipient twins is significantly elevated compared to that of donor twins. The discrepancy between recipient and donor concentration correlates with the volume of transfusion. The following pathophysiological mechanism for explaining polyhydramnios in recipient twins is proposed: chronic overload in recipient twins causes enhanced release of ANF from the fetal heart. Consequently, increased fetal urine production leads to polyhydramnios, which is additionally enhanced by inhibition of ADH release.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Freiburg, FRG.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wieacker
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wilhelm
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Prömpeler
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schillinger
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Breckwoldt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000378:metabolism; D005330:Fetofetal Transfusion / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D006831:Polyhydramnios / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012083:Renin / Q000097:blood; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D014667:Vasopressins; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor; D012083:Renin