Single intrauterine demise in twin pregnancies: Analysis of 29 cases

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the maternal and fetal demographic features and clinical aspects of twin pregnancies with single intrauterine demise.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics between January 2008 and December 2013. There were a total of 594 twin deliveries in our hospital between the given dates. Twenty-nine of these cases were referred to our hospital by another health center because of a preliminary diagnosis of single intrauterine demise. Maternal age, parity, chorionicity, week of fetal death, gestational week at delivery, mode of delivery, birth weight, Activity, pulse, grimace, appearance, respiration scores, maternal fibrinogen levels at delivery and during pregnancy, stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, and obstetric complications were explored in these 29 cases of single intrauterine demise.

Results: The mean age of the 29 patients who were provided antenatal follow-up and delivery services in our hospital was 29.9±6.5 years. Thirteen (44.8%) of the patients were monochorionic, whereas 16 (55.2%) were dichorionic. Intrauterine fetal death occurred in the first trimester in 6 pateints and in the second or third trimester in 23. In addition, 20 (69%) patients underwent cesarean section, whereas 9 (31%) had spontaneous vaginal delivery. Lastly, none of the patients had a maternal coagulation disorder.

Conclusion: Twin pregnancies with single intrauterine death can lead to various complications for both the surviving fetus and the mother. Close maternal and fetal monitoring, and proper care and management can minimize complications.

Keywords: Pregnancy; single fetal death; twin.