Biophysical profile in fetal triploidy. A case report.

A 31-week fetus died 24 hours after a reassuring biophysical profile assessment was obtained. Fetal growth retardation had been evident since early gestation, but genetic amniocentesis was not done until one week prior to death. There were no acute events (abruptio placentae, labor or a change in the maternal condition) believed responsible for the death one day after testing. After delivery by induction, the fetus was found to have features compatible with triploidy. The amniotic fluid obtained earlier ultimately yielded no cell growth, but triploidy was later confirmed by direct fetal tissue analysis. Sudden events, which cannot be predicted by any testing modality, are not the only causes of fetal death after a reassuring test. Chromosome analysis should be sought aggressively, particularly if the first attempt, as in this case, is unsuccessful. This is the first reported case of normal biophysical testing preceding the sudden death of a triploid fetus.