Warren M Hern1. 1. Boulder Abortion Clinic and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, CO, USA. bachern@drhern.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To conduct a pilot study of 4 cases of selective termination of a single abnormal fetus in a dichorionic, diamniotic twin pregnancy advanced to 32 or more menstrual weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN: This is a case series of 4 patients in highly unusual circumstances and treatment. Four healthy patients with desired pregnancies complicated by the presence of an abnormal genetic or developmental diagnosis in 1 twin were treated by selective termination of the abnormal twin using intracardiac injection of potassium chloride. RESULTS: In all 4 patients, cardiac arrest in the abnormal twin was effected without disturbance of the healthy twin or the mother. Postoperative maternal serum potassium levels remained at normal levels. Delivery of a healthy surviving twin occurred from 2 days to 4 weeks following the selective termination along with delivery of a stillborn abnormal twin. CONCLUSION: Selective termination of an abnormal twin may be performed on an outpatient basis in the last weeks of pregnancy. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel
OBJECTIVES: To conduct a pilot study of 4 cases of selective termination of a single abnormal fetus in a dichorionic, diamniotic twin pregnancy advanced to 32 or more menstrual weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN: This is a case series of 4 patients in highly unusual circumstances and treatment. Four healthy patients with desired pregnancies complicated by the presence of an abnormal genetic or developmental diagnosis in 1 twin were treated by selective termination of the abnormal twin using intracardiac injection of potassium chloride. RESULTS: In all 4 patients, cardiac arrest in the abnormal twin was effected without disturbance of the healthy twin or the mother. Postoperative maternal serum potassium levels remained at normal levels. Delivery of a healthy surviving twin occurred from 2 days to 4 weeks following the selective termination along with delivery of a stillborn abnormal twin. CONCLUSION: Selective termination of an abnormal twin may be performed on an outpatient basis in the last weeks of pregnancy. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel