The antepartum death of one twin is a rare obstetric complication. The premature and neonatal death rates are high in the surviving twin. Toxemia, fetal disetress, abnormal presentation, and dystocia are also increased. Maternal disseminated
intravascular coagulation has been demonstrated without a concomitant fetal coagulation defect. A more unique finding is fetal disseminated intravascular coagulation with a monochorionic placenta. The common circulation between the live and dead
twins
may result in fetal cerebral, renal, and cutaneous lesions, usually without demonstrable maternal disease.
But, the death of one fetus from a twin pregnancy did not significantly jeopardize maternal heath, and the neonatal outcome in the remaining twins was primarily a function of gestational age.
An expenctant approach to these pregnancies seems reasonable. Recently we experienced a case of twin pregnancy complicated by the death of one fetus. We present this case with review of related literatures.
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