Selective fetocide reverses preeclampsia in discordant twins - 25/08/11
Abstract |
Objective |
Preeclampsia occurs in some twin gestations in association with a placental disorder of one but not both fetuses, thereby placing both at risk. We investigated a novel method of treating preeclampsia in these pregnancies.
Study design |
Three patients with second trimester preeclampsia linked to a lethal condition in one twin were treated with selective fetocide in an effort to reverse preeclampsia. Two patients presented with twins discordant for severe fetal growth restriction, and 1 patient presented with Ballantyne syndrome and twins discordant for fetal hydrops.
Results |
Preeclampsia resolved in all 3 patients, allowing continuation of the pregnancy for an additional 9 to 23 weeks before delivery of the remaining fetus. Resolution of preeclampsia occurred in a timeframe consistent with placental involution documented in similar clinical circumstances.
Conclusion |
Selective fetocide may be an option for treating preeclampsia in some twin pregnancies, presumably by causing involution of the pathologic placenta. Delivery is not the only cure for preeclampsia.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Preeclampsia, Twins, Discordant, Fetocide
Plan
 | Reprints are not available from the authors. |
Vol 191 - N° 2
P. 477-480 - août 2004 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
- Delayed interval delivery and infant survival: a population-based study
- Jun Zhang, Brady Hamilton, Joyce Martin, Ann Trumble
- Intrauterine growth restriction increases morbidity and mortality among premature neonates
- Thomas J. Garite, Reese Clark, James A. Thorp
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