Triplet: Thoraco-omphalophagus Conjoint Twins and Malformed Fetus of Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria
Adamu A. *
Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Omar M.
Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Onankpa B. O.
Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Abubakar U.
Cardio-Thoracic Unit, Department of Surgery, Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Zaki A.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria.
Abdullahi A. A.
Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Sani U. M.
Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Jega M. R.
Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Nazish P. A.
Plastic Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Akinnibosun-Raji H. O.
Department of Radiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Nuhu AKoko
Paediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Conjoined twinning is one of the most fascinating human malformations. The incidence of conjoined is 1:50,000 to 1:100,000 live births, with 40–60% being stillborn and about 35% of the live births not surviving beyond 24 hours. The exact incidence of conjoint twins in Nigeria is not known as there are instances of under-reporting, largely due to the relatively poor prognosis and stigmatisation associated with conjoined twinning.
We are reporting a case of thoraco-omphalophagus conjoint twins and a malformed third fetus diagnosed by ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy.
A set of female conjoined twins and a malformed triplet, delivered by 25-year old primigravida via emergency Caesarean Section on the 22nd May 2021 on account of PROM and fetal distress at 34/52 GA, that were admitted in our level one neonatal unit. The twins were joined at the thoraco-abdominal region. Echocardiography showed a moderate- sized Atrial Septal Defect in twin 1 and a large Ventricular Septal Defect in twin 2. MRI showed a thoraco-omphalophagus set of conjoined twins with fused xiphisternum, myocardium, pericardium, liver and small bowel.
Keywords: Triplet, thoraco-omphalophagus, conjoint twins, malformed fetus, Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria