CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF TWIN PREGNANCIES WITH ONE DEAD FETUS - IS IT SAFE

Background. Fetal death in one of the twins is unusual and the managem ent issue of such a condition is not straightforward. Methods. We revi ewed the outcomes of nine twin pregnancies with one dead fetus in whom follow-up period exceeded 3 weeks. Results. The twinning frequency wa s 8.9 per thousand deliveries and the frequency of subsequent antepart um death of one fetus was found to be 3.8%. The preterm birth rate was 45.5% and the survival rate was 90.1% The perinatal mortality rate wa s 12%. Maternal clotting disorder was observed in one patient and trea ted successfully with heparin. Conclusions. We suggest that these pati ents are best managed conservatively unless further hazard to the fetu s or mother appears.