Conjoined twins born at Lagos State University die few days after delivery

A set of conjoined twins born at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has unfortunately passed away, as confirmed by Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH. The twins, conjoined from the upper to the lower part of their bodies, had a complex connection that required careful assessment.

The hospital had previously announced the successful delivery of the conjoined twins, detailing that they were fused at the lower chest and abdomen (thoraco-omphalopagus). The birth was a rare event for the hospital and was celebrated as a medical milestone.

Tragically, the first twin had congenital heart issues incompatible with life and passed away. The medical team had plans to separate them once they reached a certain age. However, before intervention could take place, the second twin also succumbed to the complexities of their condition.

Conjoined twins, medically known as Siamese twins, are an extremely rare occurrence, with an incidence of one in 50,000 births, as per a 2017 report in the Journal of Clinical Anatomy. The twins develop from a partially separated early embryo and remain physically connected, most often at the chest, abdomen, or pelvis. Internal organs may also be shared.

In this case, despite the unfortunate outcome, the medical team at LASUTH worked diligently to ensure the best care for the twins and their mother.