Absorption of Red Cells from the Peritoneal Cavity of an Hydropic Twin

Abstract

A pair of monozygotic erythroblastotic twins, one with hydrops, the other without, were treated by intrauterine transfusion. The twins had a monochorionic, diamniotic placenta with gross surface vascular anastomoses; at birth their circulating blood was of a single composition. The composition established that the presence of ascites per se does not inhibit absorption of blood from the peritoneal cavity.