Selective termination in discordant twin pregnancy with early onset preeclampsia: case report.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effectiveness of selective termination for discordant twins in treating early onset preeclampsia.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

After literature review, ethical review, and discussion with the couple, one patient with early onset preeclampsia complicated with a lethal condition in one twin, was performed selective termination by intracardiac injection of potassium chloride at 27 weeks' and four days' gestation in an effort to reverse preeclampsia and prolong the pregnancy.

RESULTS

The clinical manifestation of preeclampsia was alleviated in this patient. At 29 weeks, the stillborn fetus was delivered because of spontaneous preterm labor. A live birth was achieved five days later. All procedures allowed continuation of the pregnancy for an additional two weeks and one day of the remaining fetus.

CONCLUSION

Selective termination may be an option for treating early onset preeclampsia in discordant twins, instead of termination of whole pregnancy.