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Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2007;92:F49-F50 doi:10.1136/adc.2005.091447
  • Short report

Perinatal and infant autopsy

  1. R Adappa1,
  2. S Paranjothy2,
  3. Z Roberts2,
  4. P H T Cartlidge1
  1. 1Department of Child Health, Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
  2. 2Department of Epidemiology, Statistics and Public Health, Cardiff University
  1. Correspondence to:
    R Adappa
    Department of Child Health, Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK; roshanadappa{at}aol.com
  • Received 23 March 2006
  • Published Online First 4 April 2006

Abstract

Objectives: To measure perinatal and infant autopsy rate in Wales over a 10-year period and study factors influencing the decision to perform an autopsy.

Design: Retrospective cohort analysis of data from the All Wales Perinatal Survey.

Methods: Autopsy rates were calculated over a 10-year period (1994–2003), and reasons for not performing an autopsy were noted. Two time periods, 1994–1996 and 2001–2003 were compared, to study changing autopsy patterns.

Results: Over the 10-year period, there were 4393 perinatal and infant deaths, with data available for 4306 (98%) cases. Consent for autopsy was requested in 89% of cases and granted in 68%. When compared, the 3-year cumulative autopsy rate fell from 67.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 65% to 69%) in 1994–1996, to 52.7% (CI 49% to 55%) in 2001–2003. The difference in the proportion of autopsies performed between the two time periods was 14.8% (CI 11% to 18%). Parental consent was granted in 76.2% (CI 73% to 78%) of cases in 1994–1996 and 60% (CI 57% to 63%) of cases in 2001–2003. The difference in proportion in consent for autopsy in the two time periods was 16% (CI 12% to 20%).

Conclusions: A decrease in perinatal and infant autopsy rates has been found in Wales over the past 10 years. Parental refusal has been the main cause of this decline.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: None declared.

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