Evaluation of fetal and neonatal autopsy results: 5-year experience

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To analyse fetal and neonatal autopsies in a period of 5 years in our department.. METHODS: In our pathology department 587 fetal and neonatal autopsies performed in 5 years were analysed and documented according to maternal age, sex distribution, fetal autopsy diagnosis and congenital anomalies. RESULTS: The average annual number of neonatal and neonatal autopsies performed in our department is 117. When the distribution of fetal autopsy is examined, 53.7% of the cases were found to have congenital anomalies. Hydrops fetalis was the second most common with 6.2%, and anoxia-related changes were seen in 4.4% and third. In 87 (14.8%) cases, a limited evaluation was made due to autolysis. No pathology was found in 13.7% of the cases. Central nervous system anomalies were found in the most frequent rate (32.9%). This is followed by skeletal system with 11.5% and urinary tract anomalies with 10.7%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Perinatal autopsy provides important information in determining the causes of deaths in the perinatal and neonatal period, and in monitoring future pregnancies and determining the risk of recurrence of diseases.

Keywords

• perinatal autopsy
• fetal anomaly
• stillbirth