Investigation following perinatal death
As unexplained antepartum death, hypoxic peripartum death and deaths with no obstetric antecedent rank highly as causes of perinatal death in near-term normally-formed singleton babies, investigations such as autopsy and placental histology examination are of particular importance in establishing the cause of death.
Autopsy
Of the 770 perinatal deaths among near-term normally-formed singleton babies, 737 had a stated autopsy status. Of deaths where autopsy status was stated in 2015 and 2016:
- Autopsies were performed more frequently than for perinatal deaths occurring across all babies (57.7% and 41.1%, respectively).
- Autopsies were performed more frequently in relation to neonatal deaths, with the highest proportion being performed in very early (less than 24 hours) neonatal deaths (75.0%).
- The incidence of autopsy varied depending on the cause of death, with 52.6% of deaths due to hypoxic peripartum death undergoing an autopsy compared to 71.7% of deaths due to fetal growth restriction.
Placental examination
Of the 770 perinatal deaths among near-term normally-formed singleton babies in 2015 and 2016, there were 441 from News South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Australia Capital Territory where placental histology status was stated. Of deaths where placental histology status was stated:
- There were 394 placental histological examinations performed.
- Placental histological examinations were performed in 9 out of 10 stillbirths and 6 out of 10 neonatal deaths.