Spontaneous single fetal loss in dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA)
twins is usually a consequence of growth restriction, frequently
unrecognised. The risk of fetal death increases with the degree
of growth discordance, particularly when discordance exceeds
30 per cent.
Pre-eclampsia may result in the loss of one twin only – indeed,
loss of the twin is often associated with a short-term improvement
in the condition.
Other obstetric complications may result in the demise of only
one of a twin pair: placental abruption, gestational diabetes, fetal
abnormalities, intrauterine infections and cord accidents