title: A clinical assessment of stillborn infants.
abstract: One hundred and fifty stillborn infants delivered at Groote Schuur Hospital were clinically examined at birth to try to establish the probable cause of death. In 84,7% a likely explanation for the stillbirth was identified, with abruptio placentae, gross amniotic fluid infection and severe congenital abnormality the commonest diagnoses. Sex, birth weight, gestational age and degrees of maceration were also documented. These data provide a better understanding of the causes of stillbirth in Cape Town and will help in the rational planning of antenatal care aimed at reducing the perinatal mortality rate. It is recommended that clinical examination of all stillborn infants and their placentas be carried out at birth, especially if an autopsy is not performed.
mesh_terms: D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D012737:Sex Factors; D013019:South Africa