[Abnormal twin pregnancy -- early fetal resorption in twin pregnancy]

Twin pregnancy is the condition of development of two fetuses in the uterus and can be monozygotic (single ovum) or dizygotic (2 ova). Twin pregnancy is considered highly risky owing to complications such as hypertension hemorrhage anemia and early rupture of amniotic membranes. One gestation may be resorbed during pregnancy while the other fetus continues to develop normally. Such a case is described. A 35-year-old patient whose last menstruation was on February 12 1991 underwent gynecological examination because of missed menstruation at the Obstetrical Ward of Sremska Mitrovica Yugoslavia. She had developed a nascent myoma which was removed by myomectomy 6 months earlier had given birth 4 years before and had had no abortions. Sonography revealed two regular gestation sacs with heart rates of both fetuses in the 9th week of gestation. The measurements of the embryos were: (CRL)-22.5 mm (NEG)-8+4 for fetus 1; (CRL)-23.6 mm (NEG)-9 for fetus 2. The patient was informed about the twin pregnancy and sonographic examination 2 weeks later showed discordant fetal growth. The measurements in the 11th week of gestation were the following: (CRL)-22.8 mm (NEG)-8+6 without heart rate for fetus 1; (CRL)-50.5 mm (NEG)-11+4 for fetus 2 with heart rate and fetal movement. All subsequent clinical laboratory and sonographic examination showed normal development of one fetus. The expected delivery was November 18 1991 and birth was induced on November 27 1991 by the administration of Prostin-E2 vaginaletes. The delivery was completed by cesarian section because of the lack of contractions and dilatation of the cervix. A female infant weighing 3200 g with a length of 51 cm and an Apgar score of 8 and 1 was delivered. The patient was discharged 8 days later with a healthy infant.