Parto gemelar diferido: a propósito de un caso / Delayed twin birth: case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se presenta el caso de un parto diferido en una gestación gemelar en la que se consigue retrasar el parto del segundo gemelo 45 días con manejo conservador. CASO CLÍNICO: Mujer de 25 años, gestación gemelar bicorial biamniótica, con diagnóstico de muerte fetal del primer gemelo en semana 24+3 y parto del mismo tras una semana de evolución. Se decide la opción de tratamiento conservador expectante, con reposo absoluto, manteniendo tocolisis intravenosa, controles analíticos seriados, controles cardiotocográficos diarios, profilaxis antibiótica y antitrombótica. Con ello se consigue diferir el parto un total de 45 días. CONCLUSIÓN: El parto diferido en gestaciones gemelares es una práctica poco habitual, por lo que se carece de protocolos y actuaciones específicas. La bibliografía disponible difiere en cuanto al manejo de dichos casos y en el total de días que se consigue diferir el parto, pero en todos los estudios se reporta el beneficio en términos de resultados perinatales al conseguir aumentar la edad gestacional del segundo gemelo. En nuestro caso se consiguió una mejora sustancial del resultado perinatal asociado a la prematuridad sin importantes efectos adversos maternos y tras el periodo de latencia indicado.

INTRODUCTION: We report a delayed delivery of a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy, in which the birth of the second twin was postponed 45 days. CASE REPORT: At 24+3 weeks of gestation, a 25-year-old woman with dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy presented with preterm premature rupture of membranes and intrauterine dead of the first fetus. Spontaneous delivery of the first death twin, occurred al 25+2 weeks. Tocolysis, antibiotic, antithrombotic prophylaxis, absolute rest, serial blood tests and fetal cardiotocography controls, were performed. The second twin was delivered at 31+5 weeks, after a the preterm premature rupture of membranes triggered the labor. The interval between the first and second birth was 45 days. CONCLUSION: Delayed delivery in twin pregnancies, is an uncommon clinical situation, so there are not validated medical protocols. Available bibliography offers different practices related to its management. Most studies confirm the better survival rate and perinatal outcomes of the postponed birth twin.

Study of intrauterine fetal death cases in a tertiary care center

Background: The death of a fetus is a tragic event not only for the parents but also a great cause of stress for the caregiver. It is thus vital to identify specific probable causes of fetal death to determine the risk of recurrence, prevention or corrective action.Methods: This retrospective observational study was carried out in department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Jhalawar Medical College, Jhalawar, from July 2019 to October 2019. Intrauterine fetal death was confirmed either with ultrasound or on clinical examination. The details of complaints, obstetrics history, examination findings, mode of delivery, fetal outcomes and investigation reports were recorded.Results: A total of 114 intrauterine fetal deaths were reported amongst 2982 deliveries conducted during the study period. The incidence rate of IUFD was 38.22/1000 live births. 85.96% deliveries were unbooked. 59.64% belonged to rural population. 59.64% fetal deaths occurred in women between 20 to 25 years of age. 45.61% women were primigravida. 41.2% IUFD occurred between 26 to 31 weeks of gestation. Among the identifiable cause’s hypertensive disorders (23.68) and placental causes (19.29%) were most common.Conclusions: Unexplained causes, PIH and abruptio placentae were major causes of IUFD. Majority of fetal wastage can be prevented with universal and improved antenatal care.

Connective tissue disorders in pregnancy: maternal and fetal perspective

Background: The objective of this study was to study maternal and fetal outcome in connective tissue disorders in pregnancy.Methods: This was a retrospective type of observational study done in department of obstetrics and gynecology and department of rheumatology at a King Edward Memorial hospital over a period of 1.5 years. 48 women were included in this study after informed consent. All these women presented with collagen disorders to ANC outpatient department or to rheumatology outpatient department or in emergency. All postpartum patients having connective tissue disorders not recruited during ANC were also included in this study after taking their written, informed and valid consent.Results: Connective tissue disorders are associated with multiple voluntary and involuntary abortions as well as intrauterine fetal deaths. Even in those women having live births, many undergo cesarean sections due to various indications like fetal distress, poor biophysical profile, non-reassuring non stress test etc. Neonates born to mothers with connective tissue disorders are growth restricted and many of them need intensive care admission. Also, these women were found to have multiple associated medical comorbidities in pregnancy.Conclusions: The data collected and the results arrived upon should help contribute significant literature regarding collagen disorders in pregnancy and help in better fetal and maternal management during pregnancy.

Rare case of ruptured uterus in previously normal delivered patient due to hydatid cystic disease in pregnant uterus

Hydatid cystic disease is parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Dogs and carnivors like fox are definitive hosts harbouring warms in intestine. Eggs passed in stools eaten by intermediate hosts and larvae encyst in liver, lungs and other organs. Humans are accidental hosts. Incidence of hydatid cystic disease in genital organs is low around 0.5%. Hydatid cyst most often found in liver - 60%, lungs - 30% accounting approximately 90% of the disease. Incidence of hydatid disease in pregnancy is very rare ranging from 1/20000 to 1/30000. 22 years old G2P1L1 with 39weeks gestation age (GA) with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) with query ruptured uterus, extra uterine pregnancy, transverse lie with severe anaemia referred from Jalgaon civil hospital for further management.

Abdominal pregnancy misdiagnosed as an intrauterine pregnancy: a cause of failed induction of labour for fetal death

Abdominal pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy usually associated with fetal death among other complications, although very rare cases of live births have been reported. There is also a high risk of maternal mortality. A high index of suspicion is required to make a preoperative diagnosis as diagnosis from history, examination and ultrasound is often missed. Misdiagnoses as an intrauterine pregnancy usually occur. This misdiagnosis makes management of patients with an abdominal pregnancy a challenge and may affect treatment outcome. We managed a 35 year old pregnant multipara who was referred to us on account of repeated failed attempts at induction of labour for intrauterine fetal death. Three obstetric ultrasound scans done during the course of patient’s management reported an intrauterine dead fetus. We also failed to achieve uterine evacuation. We resorted to carry out a hysterotomy and following laparotomy, we found an abdominal pregnancy. This finding was unexpected by us, however, we delivered the dead fetus and was able to successfully manage the placenta. Discovering an abdominal pregnancy at surgery carried out for a supposed intrauterine pregnancy is usual for many cases of abdominal pregnancy. Clinicians should be aware of the clinical signs and symptoms that raise a suspicion of abdominal pregnancy as prompt preoperative diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy helps to plan and offer early and appropriate intervention. This reduces the incidence of maternal mortality usually due to massive intra-abdominal haemorrhage arising from delayed diagnosis and poor placenta management.

Muerte fetal intrauterina de uno de los gemelos / Intrauterine death of one twin

Los embarazos múltiples, la mayoría de los cuales son gemelares, tienen un riesgo sustancialmente mayor de morbimortalidad fetal comparado con los embarazos únicos. La muerte fetal de uno de los gemelos en embarazos gemelares monocoriónicos es más frecuente que en embarazos gemelares dicoriónicos. La muerte fetal intrauterina ocurre en 1 a 7% de todos los embarazos gemelares y aumenta considerablemente la tasa de complicaciones del gemelo superviviente, incluyendo pérdida fetal, parto prematuro y daño de órgano final. La edad gestacional en que ocurre la muerte fetal intrauterina y la corionicidad de los embarazos múltiples son los dos factores más importantes al considerar los riesgos del gemelo superviviente. La morbimortalidad de estos embarazos puede disminuir con la identificación del embarazo de riesgo y la vigilancia prenatal intensiva. Los embarazos monocoriónicos son más difíciles de manejar y a menudo los embarazos se interrumpen entre las 34 y 36 semanas. Los embarazos dicoriónicos se pueden interrumpir más cerca del término.

Multiple pregnancies, most of which are twins, have a substantially increased risk of fetal morbidity and mortality compared to single pregnancies. The fetal death of one of the twins in monochorionic twin pregnancies is more frequent than in twin dichorionic pregnancies. Intrauterine fetal death occurs in 1-7% of all twin pregnancies and greatly increases the rate of complications of the surviving twin including fetal loss, preterm birth, and end organ damage. The gestational age at which intrauterine fetal death occurs and the chorionicity of the multiple pregnancy are the two most important factors when considering the risks of the surviving twin. The morbidity and mortality of these pregnancies may decrease with risk identification and intensive prenatal surveillance. Monochorionic pregnancies are more difficult to manage, and often pregnancies are interrupted at 34-36 weeks. Dichorionic pregnancies can be interrupted closer to term.

Prognostic Analysis of Posterior Delivery in Single Intrauterine Fetal Demise / 实用妇产科杂志

Objective:To analyze the prognosis of twin intrauterine fetal death intrauterine surgery(SIUFD),and to investigate the pregnanct outcomes of SIUFD after different gestational weeks and chorionic twins,and to improve the monitoring and management of SIUFD.Methods:Data from January 1,2013 to December 31,2015 in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of SIUFD delivered 37 cases(excluding twin transfusion syndrome,11 cases)were retrospectively analyzed,including the incidence of SIUFD gestational weeks,save work time to look for the cause of death,different gestational weeks and chorionic deposit work the prognosis,followed up neonatal growth by telephone.Results:The time of occurrence of SIUFD in this 37 cases of early pregnancy was common,accounted for 64.86％ (24/37);The period of expectant treatment after SIUFD was 1 day(the shortest),231 days(the longest),and 116 days (average);among the death-caused factors,umbilical cord and placenta abnormality accounted for 32.43％ (12/37) and fetal malformation accounted for 8.11％ (3/37);the survival of premature fetus(gestational age less than 37 weeks) were 9 cases,of which a minimum of 32 weeks of gestation,28 cases of full-term birth;premature birth,neonatal asphyxia,emergency caesarean section,pregnancy complications in monochorionic twins were significantly higher than those of in dichorionic twins;SIUFD gestational weeks ＞13 weeks survival fetal premature delivery,neonatal asphyxia,emergency cesarean section rate of less than≤13 weeks more than SIUFD.Conclusions:After SIUFD and survival fetal incidence of fetal gestational weeks and chorionicity,although not yet the study found that SIUFD occurred after the adverse neurological sequelae of child survival than dichorionic diamniotic twins higher in monchorionic twin dichorionic twinw,but still need long-term follow-up.

Determinantes sociodemográficos y clínicos asociados a mortalidad fetal intrauterina en el municipio de Pasto, 2010-2012 / Demographic and clinical determinants associated with intrauterine fetal mortality in the municipality of Pasto, 2010-2012

Resumen Introducción: La mortalidad fetal intrauterina (MFIU) es un problema de salud pública por sus elevadas tasas a nivel mundial y en poblaciones de ingresos medios y bajos. Sin embargo, es un evento poco estudiado y carece de visibilidad en las políticas, planes y programas de salud pública. Objetivo: Analizar los determinantes sociodemográficos y clínicos asociados a la MFIU en Pasto-Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio analítico observacional con 88 muertes fetales como casos y 88 nacidos vivos como controles, ocurridas en hospitales de tercer nivel en el municipio de Pasto-Colombia durante 2010-2012, para determinar la relación entre mortalidad fetal, condiciones clínicas (complicaciones del embarazo, edad gestacional, peso al nacer, controles prenatales, antecedentes obstétricos, tóxicos o aborto) y sociodemográficas (edad, etnia, ocupación, estado civil, estrato, zona de residencia, escolaridad, paridad, condición de desplazamiento, embarazo planeado). Resultados: Se identificó que el riesgo de mortalidad fetal es significativamente menor con el incremento de la edad gestacional (OR ajustado=0,76 IC95% 0,62; 0,93) y el peso al nacer (OR ajustado=0,99 IC95% 0,98; 0,99). Otras variables clínicas y sociodemográficas no se asociaron. Conclusión: Los resultados proveen evidencia para la planificación de planes de intervención que prioricen a mujeres cuyo feto tenga un peso inferior al normal y un riesgo de nacimiento prematuro.

Abstract Introduction: Intrauterine fetal mortality (IUFM) is a public health problem because of its high rates worldwide and in low-and middle-income populations. However, it is a little-studied event and lacks visibility in public health policies, plans and programs. Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic and clinical determinants associated with IUFM in Pasto-Colombia. Materials and methods: A study, that includes 88 fetal deaths as cases and 88 live births as controls occurred in third level hospitals in Pasto-Colombia during 2010 and 2012, was carried out to determine the relationship between fetal mortality, clinical conditions (complications of pregnancy, gestational age, birth weight, prenatal controls, pathological and toxic medical history, or abortion) and sociodemographic conditions (age, ethnicity, occupation, marital status, stratum, area of residence , schooling, parity, displacement condition, planned pregnancy). Results: It was identified that the risk of fetal mortality is significantly lower with the increase in gestational age (OR ajustado = 0.76 IC95% 0.62; 0.93) and birth weight (OR ajustado = 0.99 IC95% 0.98; 0.99). Other clinical and sociodemographic variables were not associated. Conclusion: The results provide evidence for planning intervention plans that prioritize women whose fetus has a lower-than-normal weight and a risk of premature birth.

Identification of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and 9 as Biomarker of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

ABSTRACT Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a severe liver disease uniquely occurring during pregnancy. In this study we aimed to identify novel biomarker for the diagnosis of ICP in Chinese population. 50 healthy pregnant women, 50 mild ICP patients and 48 severe ICP patients were enrolled for this study. Liver function tests, including serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and cholyglycine, were performed in all participants. After an overnight fast serum levels of total bile acids (TBA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were measured, and their correlation with liver function tests were analyzed. The observed increase in serum TBA in ICP patients was not statistically significant which made it unreliable for diagnosis of ICP in Chinese population. On the other hand, both MMP-2 and MMP-9 serum levels exhibited a progressive and significant elevation in mild and severe ICP patients compared with healthy pregnant women, which also positively correlated with liver function tests. Serum levels of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 could be reliably used as laboratory abnormalities for accurate diagnosis and sensitive grading of ICP in Chinese population.

Epidemiology of Intrauterine Fetal Deaths: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background: Intrauterine fetal death is a very tragic event for the parents and a great challenge to the obstetrician. It contributes to perinatal mortality and detail analysis of it may help to reduce the still birth rate in India. The aims and objectives of the study is to find out the prevalence, socio-demography, maternal risk factor and fetal characteristics of intrauterine fetal demise cases. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study carried out in Institute of Medical Science and SUM Hospital Bhubaneswar from October 2014 to April 2015. Ante partum events leading to fetal demise were recorded, socio-demographic and clinical characters were noted and analysed. Results: There were 2899 deliveries and 90 fetal deaths in this period. The incidence of IUFD was 31.04/1000 live births in our study. Conclusion: Pregnancy induced hypertension, severe anaemia; abruption of placenta, congenital malformation of the fetus is the main cause of fetal demise. All the main causes of fetal death observed here is preventable. Proper preconceptional counselling, antenatal care is mandatory to reduce the still birth rate by 2030.

Uterus Didelphys presenting with ruptured uterus in third pregnancy: A rare case report

Uterus Didelphys “double uterus” is a congenital malformation that results from complete failure of fusion of the ipislateral paramesonephric ducts during embryonic development. Ideally, diagnosis should be made before pregnancy and labor to prevent adverse outcomes. Here we report a case of uterus didelphys in 30 year old female Gravida4 Para3 Living2 at 31st week of pregnancy admitted with prolonged rupture of membrane, hypovolemic shock and intrauterine fetal death. Postoperative recovery of the mother was uneventful. Clinicians should have high index of suspicion of uterine anomaly when assessing cases of dysfunctional labor to avoid delayed diagnosis and the associated adverse outcome

Antepartum intrauterine foetal deaths in third trimester at a tertiary care center.

Objective: Study was conducted to determine the rates, documented causal factors and obstetric outcome for intrauterine fetal deaths at a tertiary care centre in Gujarat. The study also aimed to prove the value of antenatal care in prevention of intrauterine fetal death. Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Gujarat, India. The study was performed over 14 month’s period (Jun 2004 to July 2005). Patients having intrauterine fetal death on admission in the third trimester were included in this study. Total number of deliveries during this period was 9802. Among this, total numbers of antenatal IUFD in third trimester were 161. The causes of IUFD were determined purely on close clinical observations and preliminary investigations. Results: Total number of deliveries were 9802.Incidence of still birth at our centre was 31 per 1000. Antenatal IUFD rate was 16.5 per 1000 after excluding early trimester fetal deaths and intra partum fetal deaths. IUFD amounts to one third of perinatal mortality in this study. Among the identifiable causes,Hypertensive disorders (31%), placental abruption (15.5%), severe anemia (13%), were most common causes. Congenital malformations were responsible for 4.3% cases .Induction was done in 36, augmentation was done in 53 patients,67 patients had spontaneous onset of labor and caesarean section was done in 5 patients. The most devastating complication of IUFD was DIC found in 3 patients (1.9%). Conclusions: The present study is an effort to compile a profile of maternal, fetal and placental causes culminating to IUFD at our centre. This emphasizes the Importance of proper antenatal care and identification of risk factors and its treatment. Considerable number of IUFD are still labeled as unexplained, hence cannot be prevented. Decrease in the incidence of IUFD would significantly reduce the perinatal mortality.

Muerte fetal intrauterina: ¿podemos actuar en su prevención? / Intrauterine fetal death: Can we act on prevention?

Objetivos: Análisis de los factores etiopatogénicos, maternos, fetales y placentarios, asociados a la muerte fetal intrauterina (MFIU). Análisis de los avances en el diagnóstico causal de la MFIU tras instauración de un protocolo específico. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Análisis de todos los casos de muerte fetal tardía en gestaciones únicas acontecidas en el Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (2005- 2010). Resultados: Hubo 56 casos de muerte fetal tardía. De las gestantes estudiadas, 4 eran menores de 17 años y 19 mayores de 35 años, un 21,4 por ciento fumaban, el 60 por ciento tenía un IMC > 25 kg/m2 y el 18 por ciento no controlaron el embarazo. La patología materna predominante fue la tiroidea, mientras que las patologías gestacionales principales fueron diabetes gestacional, preeclampsia y amenaza de parto prematuro. El principal motivo de consulta fue la disminución de movimientos fetales. Se realizó estudio anatomopatológico placentario en el 82 por ciento y necropsia en el 73 por ciento. El porcentaje de causa desconocida en el grupo de no protocolo fue 20 por ciento y con protocolo 15 por ciento. Conclusión: El establecimiento de la causa de MFIU es difícil y en algunos casos no posible, aunque sí el reconocimiento de factores de riesgo. La implantación de un protocolo permitió un mayor acercamiento a la causa de la muerte fetal y mejor manejo posterior. La autopsia, el estudio de la placenta, los análisis citogenéticos y el estudio de trombosis materna son la base para el diagnóstico de MFIU.

Objective: Analysis of the pathogenetic maternal fetal and placental factors associated with stillbirth. Analysis of progress in the diagnoses of the cause of stillbirth after the establishment of a specific protocol. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study. Analysis of the cases of late fetal death in singleton pregnancies occurred at the University Hospital of Vigo during the period 2005-2010. Results: We found 56 late fetal deaths. Four were under 17 and 19 above 35 years old, 21percent were smokers, 60 percent had a BMI > 25 kg/m2 and 18 percent had not prenatal care. Thyroid disease was the most prevalent whereas gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and threatened preterm labour were the main obstetric pathologies. The main reason of consultation was decrease of fetal movements. Pathological exam of the placenta was made in 82 percent of cases and necropsy in 73 percent. Rate of unknown cause in the cases of no protocol was 20 percent while in the protocol group was 15 percent. Conclusion: The cause of intrauterine fetal death is difficult to establish. The recognition of certain risk factors is possible. The implementation of a study protocol allowed a better approach to the cause of fetal death and its management. Autopsy, placental examination, cytogenetic analysis, maternal thrombosis study was basic tests for the diagnosis of intrauterine fetal death.

Óbito fetal: hallazgos de patología en una institución de alta complejidad: Cartagena, Colombia, 2010-2011 / Stillbirth: pathologic findings a tertiary care hospital: Cartagena, Colombia, 2010-2011

Introducción: conocer las características epidemiológicas del óbito fetal y describir los hallazgos más frecuentes en los estudios de patología de mortinatos que se atienden en la Clínica Universitaria San Juan de Dios. Materiales y métodos: se presenta una serie de casos de todos los mortinatos atendidos durante el periodo comprendido entre junio de 2010-mayo de 2011, en una institución de alta complejidad en Cartagena, Colombia. Se establecieron tres grupos de edad gestacional al momento de la muerte fetal: 22 a 29+6, 30-36+6 y 37-42 semanas de gestación. Se consideraron variables demográficas, antecedentes maternos, resultado del embarazo y los hallazgos de patología en el feto, la placenta y el cordón. Los resultados se presentan mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: la edad promedio fue de 29,1 años SD: 6,1. El 72,2% de los casos se presentó en pacientes entre los 20 a 34 años. La patología placentaria se identificó como causa primaria de óbito fetal en el 25% de los casos. Por otra parte, en el 22,22% de los casos no se demostró la causa primaria de óbito fetal. Conclusiones: el estudio de patología aportó información para definir la causa de muerte en el 77% de los casos. Este examen aporta información útil para la toma de decisiones a nivel clínico y en salud pública.

Objective: Ascertaining stillbirth's epidemiological characteristics and describing the most frequent findings in studies of stillbirths attended at the San Juan de Dios teaching hospital. Materials and methods: A case series was compiled of all stillbirths attended from June 2010 to May 2011 at a high complexity institution in Cartagena, Colombia. Three groups of gestational age at the moment of fetal death were established: 22 to 29+6, 30 to 36+6 and 37 to 42 weeks’ gestation. Demographic variables, maternal background, the result of pregnancy and findings regarding disease in the fetus, placenta and umbilical cord were all considered. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample. Results: Average age was 29.1 (6.1 SD); 72.2% of the cases occurred in 20- to 34-year-old patients. Placental disease was identified as the primary cause of stillbirth in 25% of the cases; nevertheless, the primary cause of stillbirth could not be demonstrated in 22.22% of them. Conclusions: Studying the disease provided information for defining the cause of death in 77% of the cases. This exam supplied useful information for decision-making at clinical level and in public health.

A Study of Maternal and Perinatal Risk Factors on Intrauterine Fetal Death / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). METHODS: We carried out a case control retrospective study, at the Chonnam National University Hospital, Korea. We included all pregnant women diagnosed as singleton IUFD in pregnancies of 28 weeks of gestation or more, admitted to the hospital from Jan 2003 to Dec 2007. There were 53 cases of singleton IUFD and 3,298 cases of singleton live birth during that period. The incidence, age distribution, and prevalent gestational weeks were analysed. The risk factors were analyzed by using odds ratio, student's t test, and Chisquare test. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine independent risk factors. RESULTS: The overall incidence of IUFD was 1.6%. The age distribution of mother with IUFD was highest in the age group of 20 year old or less (5.3%). IUFD was the most prevalent at 28-32 weeks of gestation (41.5%). Significant risk factors were maternal body weight just before delivery, weight gain during pregnancy, and abruptio placentae. The independent risk factors were weight gain during pregnancy (beta=0.002, P=0.000) and abruptio placentae (beta=-0.067, P=0.000). CONCLUSION: Lower maternal body weight just before delivery, lower weight gain during pregnancy, and abruptio placentae are factors significantly associated with IUFD. Further investigations are needed to understand the complex etiology of stillbirth.

Two cases of complete chorioamniotic membrane separation / 대한산부인과학회지

As chorion and amnion fusion usually occurs between 14 and 16 weeks of gestation, sonographic identification of chorion and amniotic membrane separation is a normal finding before 14 weeks. However, persistent separation after 16 weeks of gestation is considered rare and abnormal findings. Complete chorioamniotic membrane separation (CMS) may occur spontaneously, but has also been described as a complication of all invasive intrauterine procedures, including amniocentesis. Complete CMS have a significant morbidity and mortality due to intrauterine fetal death, cord complications, and preterm delivery. Aggressive treatment with hospitalization is necessary. We now report 2 cases of complete CMS identified by prenatal ultrasound; 1 in spontaneous complete CMS diagnosed at 24 weeks of gestation, and health premature child was born at 29+3 weeks of gestation, who was alive and well at present; 1 in complete CMS diagnosed at 21 weeks of gestation after amniocentesis, and fetal demise at 24 weeks of gestation due to cord strangulation by an amniotic band. We experienced two cases of complete CMS and report with a brief review of literatures.

A Case of Twin Pregnancy with One Anencephalic Dead Fetus / 대한주산의학회잡지

Twin Pregnancies are increasing these days due to recent development of the technology in treating infertility. twin pregnancies tend to cause more congenital anomalies than singleton pregnancies do. Especially when twin pregnancies are affected with one anomalous fetus combined to a normal one, the proper management and counseling are difficult. We experienced a twin pregnancy in which one anencephalic fetus was combined to a normal one, after close counseling we decided to continue the pregnancy. At 35 weeks 6 days of gestation, an anencephalic fetus was dead, so we delivered by cesarean section due to breech-cephalic presentation. The birth weight of the normal and anencephalic fetuses were 2160 gm and 600 gm, respectively. The anencephalic fetus was combined with scoliosis, absent left upper limb, and nuchal skin defect, but the healthy one showed good crying and movement and its Apgar score was 8 in 1 minute and 9 in 5 minute. Although the infant needed intensive care for 21days in the nursery room, she was finally discharged in good condition. We present this case with a brief review of the literature.

A Clinical study of Intrauterine Fetal Death / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate intrauterine fetal death and elucidate the etiology of intrauterine fetal death. METHODS: This is a clinical study of 74 cases of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) among 5,523 deliveries at Soonchunhyang University Hospital during Jan. 1998 to Apr. 2003. RESULTS: The overall incidence of IUFD was 1.34%. And the age distribution of mother with IUFD was between 19 to 44 year old and was highest in the 25 to 29 year old age group (39.1%). The parity of mothers with IUFD was the highest in nulliparous group (78.3%) and there was a decreased tendency with high parity. There were 47 cases (63.5%) with previous history of abortion and 2 cases (2.7%) with previous history of IUFD. The highest incidence rate of IUFD was shown at 20-24 weeks of gestation (48.6%) and in the fetus weighted less than 1,000 gm (59.5%), and the sex ratio of male versus female fetus was 1:1.07. The modes of delivery were labor induction (54.1%), laparotomy (18.9%), spontaneous labor (27.0%). The indication for laparotomy was placental abruption, placenta previa, previous cesarean section state. The etiology factors of IUFD were unexplained causes (55.4%), cord complication (12.2%), placental abruption (9.4%), placenta previa (9.4%) in order. CONCLUSION: The causes of IUFD were unexplained, cord complication, placental abruption in order. So, the proper antenatal care should be taken of fetuses on the basis of risk factors of antepartum and intrapartum.

Clinical Characteristics of Intrauterine Fetal Death / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics of intrauterine fetal death. METHODS: A retrospective cross sectional analysis was done on 269 cases of intrauterine fetal death, among 44,453 deliveries over 20 weeks of gestation or weighs more than 500gm, at Ghil Hospital, Gacheon Medical School from April 1994 to December 2001. RESULTS: The incidence of intrauterine fetal death was 0.06$. The average maternal age was 28 +/- 4.6 years old. There were 52 cases(19.3%) with previous history of spontaneous abortion and 3 cases(1.1%) with previous history of intrauterine fetal death. There were 28 cases(10.4%) of fetal anomaly, and of which central nervous system defect, hydrops fetalis, abdominal anomaly were common. The maternal disease was accompanied by 69 cases(25.7%) and most common maternal disease was preeclampsia. In 74 cases(27.5%), we could not find the suspected cause of intrauterine fetal death. The suspected causes of intrauterine fetal death were intrauterine growth retardation(13.8%), cord complication(12.6%), preeclampsia(11.5%), fetal anomaly(10.4%), and placental abruption(8.2%). There were 12 cases(4.5%) of peripartum maternal complications. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine growth retardation and cord complications were the most common suspected causes, we could not find the cause of intrauterine fetal death in 74 cases(27.5%) out of 269 cases.

Effects of Single Fetal Death on Mother and Live Co-twin in Twin Pregnancy

PURPOSE: Twins have a higher mortality and morbidity than singletons. Co-twin with one fetal death is particularly at risk. We investigated the neonatal outcome of live co-twins when one fetus had died after the 20th gestational week, and associated risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in fifteen cases of twin pregnancy with single intrauterine fetal deaths after the 20th gestational week during the period from January 1996 to December 2000 at Chonnam University Hospital. RESULTS: Gestational age was 33.7+/-3.2 weeks, birth weight was 1,992+/-592 g. Interval between one fetal death being detected and the delivery of a live co-twin was 32.4+/-29.5 days. There were 11 cases(73.3%) of premature babies less than 37 gestational weeks. Main causes of preterm delivery were preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes. Hematologic findings suggesting disseminated intravascular coagulopathy(DIC) were not found in all mothers before delivery, and was not associated with DIC and encephalomalacia of the live co-twin. Perinatal outcome of fifteen live co-twins was as follows : six were normal(40%), three were DIC(20.0%), three were encephalomalacia(20.0%), one suffered intrauterine growth retardation, there was one case of twin to twin transfusion syndrome, and one of congenital heart disease(atrial septal defect with pulmonary stenosis). The occurrence of DIC and encephalomalacia in live co-twins was not related to placental chorionicity, birth weight, gestational week, and the interval between the detection one fetal death and the delivery of a live co-twin. CONCLUSIONS: We could not find any maternal hematologic problems in twin pregnancies complicated by one fetal death. Twenty percent of live co-twins showed DIC and encephalomalacia. However, its associated risk factors were not found. We need to investigate more closely the cases of live co-twins with one intrauterine fetal death.