Conjoined Twins
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Conjoined Twins
Overview
Twins represent a type of multiple births, occurring when a woman gives birth to more than one baby at the same time. This happens either when multiple eggs are fertilized or a single egg is fertilized by one or two sperm, resulting in the development of more than one fetus.
Understanding Conjoined Twins
Conjoined twins are a unique form of identical twins who are physically connected. These twins share the same zygote and may also share vital organs. The cause of conjoined twins is often linked to late twinning, where the embryo splits more than twelve days after fertilization, potentially preventing complete separation. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role.
Historically known as Siamese twins, the term originated from the famous twins Eng and Chang Bunker of Siam. Such occurrences are incredibly rare, with approximately one in every 100,000 births. One of the earliest recorded sets of conjoined twins were Mary and Eliza Chulkhurst, also known as the Biddenden Maids. Interestingly, the occurrence ratio skews towards female twins, with a three-to-one ratio. They appear more frequently in specific regions like India and Africa.
Survival and Separation
Conjoined twins often face significant medical challenges due to their complex anatomy, and many are stillborn or pass away shortly after birth. However, surgical separation is possible if critical organs are not shared. Types of conjoined twins are classified based on their connection point, including:
- Cephalopagus
- Craniopagus
- Craniothoracopagus
- Dicephalus
- Ischiopagus
- Omphalopagus
- Parapagus
- Pygopagus
- Thoracopagus
In addition, there are rare forms like parasitic twins, where one twin is underdeveloped and reliant on the other, and fetus in fetu, where one twin is encased within the other.
Ethical Considerations and Life
The separation of conjoined twins can raise ethical concerns, especially if it risks the life or health of one twin. Nonetheless, surviving conjoined twins can often lead fulfilling lives. There have been cases where they have married and even become parents, as exemplified by Chang and Eng Bunker, who fathered 21 children over 31 years.
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