Twin pregnancy with intrauterine death of one twin.

The antepartum death of one twin is a rare obstetric complication. Two cases are presented, accompanied by a review of the current literature. The premature and neonatal death rates are high in the surviving twins. Toxemia, fetal distress, abnormal presentation, and dystocia are also increased. Maternal disseminated intravascular coagulation has been demonstrated without a concomitant fetal coagulation defect. A more unique finding is fetal disseminated intravascular coagulation with a monochorionic placenta. The common circulation between the live and dead twins may result in fetal cerebral, renal, and cutaneous lesions, usually without demonstrable maternal disease. High-risk obstetric management is reviewed and a careful pediatric follow-up is recommended with monozygotic twins.