Single intrauterine fetal demise in multiple gestation.
Intrauterine fetal demise of one fetus in a twin gestation is an uncommon occurrence. The choice of management of the mother and viable twin is difficult. The risk of premature delivery with its associated problems must be weighed against the risk of continued exposure of the second twin to the same environmental factors that may have contributed to the death of the first. Additionally, the potential exists for a consumptive coagulopathy affecting not only maternal health, but also the fetus or neonate. The authors present three cases of a single intrauterine fetal demise in a twin gestation followed conservatively. The pregnancies continued an average of three weeks beyond the diagnosis of fetal death. There were no cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation or infection. Follow-up on the surviving twins is presented. A suggested management plan for the mother and potential problems for the surviving neonate are discussed.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D014427:Twins