C Wright1, H Cameron, W Lamb. 1. Department of Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of perinatal autopsy. DESIGN: Review of all reports of post mortem examinations carried out following perinatal deaths from January 1994 to June 1994. POPULATION: Former Northern Region of England. METHODS: Assessment of post mortem reports concerning their content and interpretation, the assessment carried out by panel comprising a pathologist, obstetrician and paediatrician. RESULTS: Reports were available for all 104 cases where post mortem examinations had been undertaken, of which 53 (51%) met the minimum standards for such autopsies proposed by the Royal College of Pathologists. Interpretative comments were judged to be adequate in 51 (49%). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of perinatal autopsies is frequently poor. Improvement requires increased awareness of the potential value of the autopsy, and more consultation between pathologists, obstetricians and paediatricians.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of perinatal autopsy. DESIGN: Review of all reports of post mortem examinations carried out following perinatal deaths from January 1994 to June 1994. POPULATION: Former Northern Region of England. METHODS: Assessment of post mortem reports concerning their content and interpretation, the assessment carried out by panel comprising a pathologist, obstetrician and paediatrician. RESULTS: Reports were available for all 104 cases where post mortem examinations had been undertaken, of which 53 (51%) met the minimum standards for such autopsies proposed by the Royal College of Pathologists. Interpretative comments were judged to be adequate in 51 (49%). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of perinatal autopsies is frequently poor. Improvement requires increased awareness of the potential value of the autopsy, and more consultation between pathologists, obstetricians and paediatricians.