Differences in Postmortem Investigation Following Perinatal Death

Objective The study aimed to describe the postmortem investigation patterns for perinatal deaths and compare the degree of investigation between stillbirths and early neonatal deaths. Study Design We conducted a single-center retrospective review of all perinatal deaths from 2011 to 2017. Perinatal death was defined as intrauterine fetal death at >= 20 weeks' gestation, plus neonatal deaths within the first 7 days of life. Rates of postmortem investigation were compared. Results There were 97 perinatal deaths, with 54 stillbirths (56%) and 43 neonatal deaths (44%). Stillbirths were significantly more likely to receive autopsy ( p = 0.013) and postmortem genetic testing ( p = 0.0004) when compared with neonatal deaths. Maternal testing was also more likely in stillbirths than neonatal deaths. A total of 32 deaths (33%) had no postmortem evaluation beyond placental pathology. Conclusion Investigation following perinatal death is more likely in stillbirths than neonatal deaths. Methods to improve postmortem investigation following perinatal death are needed, particularly for neonatal deaths.

Automated summary

This study aimed to describe the patterns of postmortem investigations for perinatal deaths and compare the degree of investigation between stillbirths and early neonatal deaths. The findings indicate that stillbirths are more likely to undergo autopsies and genetic testing compared to neonatal deaths, highlighting the need for improved investigation methods for neonatal deaths.