A study of the quality of perinatal autopsy in the former northern region. The Northern Perinatal Mortality Survey Steering Group.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the quality of perinatal autopsy.


METHODS
Review of all reports of post mortem examinations carried out following perinatal deaths from January 1994 to June 1994.


METHODS
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.
Wright
C
C
Department of Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Cameron
H
H
Lamb
W
W
D001344:Autopsy / Q000592:standards*; D002423:Cause of Death; D003657:Decision Making; D004739:England; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011787:Quality of Health Care