Singer Jesy Nelson recently shared an emotional update regarding the complications she is experiencing in her pregnancy with twin babies. Former Little Mix singer Jesy, who is having twins with partner Zion Foster, announced that she has been diagnosed with pre-twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (pre-TTTS). The condition, which is present in pregnancies involving twins with a shared placenta, has serious risks involved and needs intense medical supervision. As Nelson embarks on this difficult journey, her story enlightens us about a rare but dangerous condition many expectant parents may not know much about.
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a rare but dangerous condition that arises in monochorionic twin pregnancies, in which identical twins share a single placenta. The placenta supplies the developing babies with oxygen, nutrients, and blood flow, but in TTTS, there is an imbalance of blood vessels that interconnect the twins, and thus the vital resources are not evenly distributed. One twin, or the donor twin, shares excess blood with the other, referred to as the recipient twin. This leads to one baby becoming malnourished and possibly anemic, and the other in danger of heart problems due to too much blood.
Nelson described her diagnosis in a heartfelt Instagram video, explaining that she is currently in the pre-stage of TTTS and undergoing frequent monitoring. "I am being scanned twice a week, and each time, things have gotten a little worse," she shared, expressing her fears and hopes for the health of her babies.
If left untreated, TTTS can have devastating consequences. Medical research indicates that:
TTTS usually advances in stages, beginning with minimal changes in fluid levels and worsening as one twin continues to get an unequal share of blood. In extreme cases, fetal laser surgery, referred to as the Solomon technique, can be employed to divide the blood vessels and balance the twins.
Identical twins may develop differently, and their own unique form of placental sharing can have a dramatic effect on pregnancy risk. Jesy Nelson's twins are considered monochorionic diamniotic (mono/di), which means they share a placenta but have two amniotic sacs. This is the type of pregnancy in about 70% of identical twin pregnancies and carries an increased risk of complications like TTTS, umbilical cord entanglement, and growth restriction.
Conversely, dichorionic diamniotic (di/di) twins both have a separate placenta and amniotic sac, which greatly diminishes the threat of TTTS. Twin pregnancy type is normally identified by early ultrasound, with physicians being able to track future complications from inception.
Twin pregnancies, even without the presence of TTTS, entail a variety of health risks to the mother as well as infants:
Over 60% of twin pregnancies end in premature delivery, with birth usually taking place before 37 weeks. Premature infants can have immature organs and need neonatal intensive care (NICU) assistance to assist with breathing, feeding, and infection fighting.
Pregnant women with multiples are at increased risk of having high blood pressure during pregnancy. This, if left untreated, can result in preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that can result in damage to organs, preterm labor, and in some cases, maternal or fetal death.
Pregnant women carrying multiples are twice as likely to experience anemia, a condition where the body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells. This can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and complications during delivery.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, multiple birth babies are twice as likely to have congenital abnormalities compared to single births. These can include heart defects, neural tube defects, and gastrointestinal issues.
When twins have to share a placenta, they are more likely to have polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) or oligohydramnios (not enough amniotic fluid). Both result in distress to the babies during fetal development and can result in premature labor.
Twins are at increased risk of excessive postpartum hemorrhage because their uterus is larger and there are greater blood supply needs.
Jesy Nelson's openness about her challenging experience is raising awareness for TTTS, a condition that few individuals—let alone expectant mothers and fathers—might be aware of. Through her tearful video, Nelson stressed the significance of knowing about twin pregnancies aside from the thrill of having multiples. "We had no idea that this type of thing occurs when you're having twins. We just desperately want to make people aware of this because there are so many people who aren't aware."
Her case reminds us of the intricacies involved in twin pregnancy and the significance of early identification and medical management. For mothers carrying twins, frequent ultrasounds and vigilance can become a life-and-death issue for early detection and better outcomes of both babies.
Through constant medical attention and care, she and her partner Zion Foster remain positive and get ready for their babies to be born. In other parents whose situations are no different, the story of Nelson highlights awareness, medical progress, and emotional encouragement in handling complicated pregnancies.
The expecting parents of twin siblings are advised to discuss TTTS screening and possible interventions with their physicians to give their babies the best chance.
Credit: iStock
Delhi is witnessing a significant rise in influenza A H1N1 infections, with the cumulative tally reportedly reaching 1,777.
As per National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) data, Delhi recorded 1,449 H1N1 cases up to August 12, more than six times the 229 cases reported during the same period last year. Mumbai and Bengaluru are also reporting a sharp rise in cases.
Amid the rise, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed preparedness, including:
The “situation is being closely and continuously monitored”, said Nadda. The Health Minister also emphasized continued vigilance, robust surveillance and proactive preparedness, along with respiratory and hand hygiene.
People with persistent or severe respiratory symptoms, breathing difficulty or other warning signs were advised to seek medical attention promptly.
The Health Ministry is coordinating with States/UTs, hospitals, laboratories and other stakeholders for early detection, timely clinical management and effective surveillance of seasonal influenza, including H1N1.
Doctors Flag Atypical H1N1 Symptoms
Dr. Atul Kakkar, Senior Consultant and Head of Department, Internal Medicine, Sir Gangaram Hospital, told HealthandMe that H1N1 cases are significantly higher than last year, possibly partly due to seasonal changes.
Most patients are presenting with flu-like symptoms, cold, cough, body aches, and upper respiratory tract infections.
However, doctors are also seeing atypical symptoms.
“We are seeing patients having diarrhea also and myalgias, which are getting very, very frequent.”
Patients at extreme ages are more prone to complications and may require oxygen, high-flow oxygen, NIV or BiPAP, he said.
Those at higher risk include people who are unvaccinated against flu, patients undergoing chemotherapy, and those with COPD, bronchial asthma, cancer or on immunosuppressive treatment.
“Evidence shows early antiviral treatment reduces complications and hospital stay, so we must expand rapid diagnostic capacity across primary care centres and ensure affordable antivirals are available at the point of care,” Dr. Sabine Kapasi, Global Health Strategist and UN Advisor, told HealthandMe.
What Is H1N1?
H1N1 is a subtype of influenza A virus. Common symptoms include:
The virus mainly spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
Children can also spread the virus before they realize they are sick.
Red-flag symptoms include:
As per experts, H1N1 infection may also be associated with cardiovascular complications, including:
Dr. Saurabh Gupta, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, Yashoda Medicity, said H1N1 may cause fluctuations in heart rhythm or inflammation involving the heart.
“Those with pre-existing heart conditions should be more vigilant whilst they’re recuperating. As the infection puts more work on the body, you can find that previous heart problems are more noticeable,” he added.
People recovering from H1N1 should seek medical attention if they develop:
Chitetsu Watanabe recognised as the world’s oldest man by Guinness World Records on 12 February 2020, died at the age 112. Pic: Reuters
Research shows that there are an estimated 300 to 450 living supercentenarians—people aged 110 or older—around the world at any given time. Japan is particularly known for healthy ageing, with an average life expectancy of over 84 years and nearly 100,000 centenarians.
While maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle may partly explain their longevity, a new study by a A team of Japanese scientists suggests that it may also be linked to an abundance of cancer-fighting immune cells.
The human immune system has specialized cells called CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD4 CTLs), which have been shown to kill tumor cells in some cancers.
When a person gets sick, these cells multiply through a process called clonal expansion to help fight infection.
The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, showed that these immune cells may also play a role in healthy ageing among supercentenarians.
“Immune aging is not simply a process of decline,” said first author Kosuke Hashimoto, an associate professor at the University of Osaka in Japan.
“The selective expansion of certain T cells suggests that, even in extreme old age, the immune system may continue to adapt to age-related challenges,” Hashimoto added.
CD4 CTLs are a cellular signature of supercentenarians—people who live to age 110 and beyond. The researchers discovered that these cells expand and adapt within this older population.
“CD4 CTLs are an atypical and relatively rare T cell population,” Hashimoto said. “So, their marked increase in supercentenarians may provide important clues as to how the immune system is maintained in extreme old age.”
The small study analyzed blood samples from 28 adults divided into three age groups:
The findings showed that the proportion of CD4 CTLs increased with age, with median percentages of 4%, 9.6% and 17.6%, respectively.
Researchers found that older adults may be responding to persistent immune threats. As a result, CD4 CTLs clone themselves when the immune system is under attack.
The most prominent clone accounted for an average of 33.3% of CD4 CTLs, indicating that older adults may be responding to persistent immune threats. In one centenarian’s blood sample, a single clone accounted for 53.8% of their CD4 CTLs.
Next, researchers matched the receptor sequences of each participant’s top CD4 CTL clone with those in a public database. Nearly three dozen matches belonged to people with cancer, namely lung, breast and liver cancers.
Because none of the centenarians or supercentenarians studied had been diagnosed with these cancers, researchers theorized that their CD4 CTL expansion may reflect early immune responses.
“Some CD4 CTLs may recognize cancer-related targets, although their exact targets remain unknown,” Hashimoto said.
The study, which focused on T cells circulating in the blood, does not prove that having an abundance of CD4 CTLs prevents cancer or causes a person to live longer.
Hashimoto said the team’s next step is to research how these cells behave in human tissues.
“As we age, abnormal cells, including senescent and cancerous cells, become more common,” Hashimoto said. “Our findings suggest that immune adaptation to these changes may contribute to exceptional longevity.”
Credit: iStock
Health officials in the US are warning consumers about yet another multistate outbreak of Salmonella and E. coli infections. This time its linked to alfalfa sprouts, which have sickened more than 40 people.
The outbreak comes as the US is also witnessing a major rise in Cyclospora infections, which can cause severe diarrhea. Federal health officials have posted 20 foodborne illness investigations so far this year, with about 10,500 illnesses associated with outbreaks.
Which States Are Reporting Cases?
Minnesota and Wisconsin have reported more than 40 illnesses linked to alfalfa sprouts.
Officials said additional illnesses are being identified in other states, and the number of cases could increase as the investigation continues.
Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture said 23 Minnesotans became ill between July 8 and August 8 with Salmonella and/or Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections.
Two people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
Of the cases, three people had Salmonella, including one who also had STEC O168:H8. Seven people were infected with STEC O103:H25, while 13 had STEC O26:H11.
According to officials, Minnesota reports approximately 1,000 Salmonella infections and 85 STEC infections with the serogroups associated with this outbreak each year.
Wisconsin
Officials in Wisconsin have identified 17 cases, with one person hospitalized.
The Wisconsin cases are connected to a multistate outbreak of STEC and Salmonella infections linked to alfalfa sprouts distributed to restaurants and grocery stores.
Approximately 1,000 Salmonella infections and 500 STEC infections are reported each year in Wisconsin.
Which Alfalfa Sprout Brands Are Linked To The Outbreak?
The illnesses have been linked to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota grower, and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands to restaurants and grocery stores.
Health officials recommend checking homes for these products, not eating them and throwing them away.
What Are The Symptoms Of E. Coli Infection?
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a group of bacteria that make dangerous poisons called Shiga toxins. While most E. coli are harmless, STEC infections can cause:
People usually become sick two to five days after swallowing the bacteria.
Most people recover within five to seven days.
However, STEC infections can also cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that can lead to acute kidney failure and other serious health problems.
The officials warned that diarrhea caused by STEC infections generally should not be treated with antibiotics, as this can increase the risk of HUS. Anyone who believes they may have an STEC infection should contact a healthcare provider.
What Are The Symptoms Of Salmonella Infection?
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that commonly causes diarrhea and gastrointestinal illness.
Salmonella infection can cause:
Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria.
Most people recover from Salmonella infection without medical treatment. However, children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may develop serious illness requiring medical care.
How To Stay Safe?
Officials advise people to:
© 2024 Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited