Sarah J Stock1, Lesley Goldsmith, Margaret J Evans, Ian A Laing. 1. University of Edinburgh, Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Room S7129, Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, United Kingdom. sarah.stock@ed.ac.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Despite recognition of the value of post-mortem examination following stillbirth, worldwide rates have declined since the early 1990s. There is a paucity of published evidence relating to factors that can improve post-mortem uptake. The aim of this study was to assess post-mortem rates following stillbirth and identify trends in the past 18 years that may have affected acceptance of the investigation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. RESULTS: Sharp declines in post-mortems coincided with publicity surrounding unlawful organ retention. Although nationally post-mortem rates have continued to fall, in our unit there was recovery in post-mortem rates. This increase was associated with implementation of policies to promote the uptake of perinatal post-mortem, including availability of specialist perinatal pathologists, education in the value of post-mortem, and senior staff involvement in counselling regarding the procedure. CONCLUSION: The need to improve uptake of post-mortem examination following stillbirth is internationally recognized. The results of this study suggest that increased local availability of specialist perinatal pathologists, who can support education in the value of post-mortem, along with senior staff obtaining consent, may help achieve this goal.
OBJECTIVE: Despite recognition of the value of post-mortem examination following stillbirth, worldwide rates have declined since the early 1990s. There is a paucity of published evidence relating to factors that can improve post-mortem uptake. The aim of this study was to assess post-mortem rates following stillbirth and identify trends in the past 18 years that may have affected acceptance of the investigation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. RESULTS: Sharp declines in post-mortems coincided with publicity surrounding unlawful organ retention. Although nationally post-mortem rates have continued to fall, in our unit there was recovery in post-mortem rates. This increase was associated with implementation of policies to promote the uptake of perinatal post-mortem, including availability of specialist perinatal pathologists, education in the value of post-mortem, and senior staff involvement in counselling regarding the procedure. CONCLUSION: The need to improve uptake of post-mortem examination following stillbirth is internationally recognized. The results of this study suggest that increased local availability of specialist perinatal pathologists, who can support education in the value of post-mortem, along with senior staff obtaining consent, may help achieve this goal.
Authors: C Lewis; M Riddington; M Hill; O J Arthurs; J C Hutchinson; L S Chitty; C Bevan; J Fisher; J Ward; N J Sebire Journal: BJOG Date: 2019-02-06 Impact factor: 6.531
Authors: J W Nijkamp; N J Sebire; K Bouman; F J Korteweg; J J H M Erwich; S J Gordijn Journal: Semin Fetal Neonatal Med Date: 2017-03-18 Impact factor: 3.926