A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Causes of Stillbirth in Turku, Finland, 2001-2011
Authors: Lehtonen T, Markkula T, Soidinsalo P, Otonkoski S, Laine J
Publisher: ALLIANCE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP DIVISION ALLEN PRESS
Publication year: 2017
Journal: Pediatric and Developmental Pathology
Journal name in source: PEDIATRIC AND DEVELOPMENTAL PATHOLOGY
Journal acronym: PEDIATR DEVEL PATHOL
Volume: 20
Issue: 1
First page : 5
Last page: 15
Number of pages: 11
ISSN: 1093-5266
eISSN: 1615-5742
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1093526616686236
Abstract
The objective of the study was to examine the causes of stillbirth in the district of Southwest Finland and to assess the importance of postmortem examination and the selection of a suitable classification system for classifying stillbirths. This study is a cohort study where the fetal autopsies were performed in the Department of Pathology at Turku University Hospital, Finland, 2001-2011. Stillbirths from singleton pregnancies at the gestational age of >= 24_0 weeks (if unknown, gestational weight >= 500 g) (n = 98) were selected. In addition, stillbirths from multiple gestations (n = 6) were also analyzed. The causes of stillbirths were classified according to the Relevant Condition at Death classification system. Maternal risk factors and the role of fetal gestational age and weight for the causes of stillbirth were assessed. The most common causes of singleton stillbirth were lethal congenital anomalies, placental insufficiencies, and constricting loops and knots of the umbilical cord. The cause of singleton stillbirth could be determined for 78% of the cases, leaving 22% unclassified. There were no significant differences in the causes of stillbirth by gestational age or weight. Smoking may increase the incidence of placental abruption (P < 0.01). The most common causes of stillbirth in Turku, Finland, are consistent with findings from other highincome countries. With careful postmortem examination and ancillary studies, it is possible to find the cause of stillbirth for most of the cases. Even if the stillbirth is left unexplained, many other harmful conditions can be excluded thus benefiting both the parents and the health care unit.
The objective of the study was to examine the causes of stillbirth in the district of Southwest Finland and to assess the importance of postmortem examination and the selection of a suitable classification system for classifying stillbirths. This study is a cohort study where the fetal autopsies were performed in the Department of Pathology at Turku University Hospital, Finland, 2001-2011. Stillbirths from singleton pregnancies at the gestational age of >= 24_0 weeks (if unknown, gestational weight >= 500 g) (n = 98) were selected. In addition, stillbirths from multiple gestations (n = 6) were also analyzed. The causes of stillbirths were classified according to the Relevant Condition at Death classification system. Maternal risk factors and the role of fetal gestational age and weight for the causes of stillbirth were assessed. The most common causes of singleton stillbirth were lethal congenital anomalies, placental insufficiencies, and constricting loops and knots of the umbilical cord. The cause of singleton stillbirth could be determined for 78% of the cases, leaving 22% unclassified. There were no significant differences in the causes of stillbirth by gestational age or weight. Smoking may increase the incidence of placental abruption (P < 0.01). The most common causes of stillbirth in Turku, Finland, are consistent with findings from other highincome countries. With careful postmortem examination and ancillary studies, it is possible to find the cause of stillbirth for most of the cases. Even if the stillbirth is left unexplained, many other harmful conditions can be excluded thus benefiting both the parents and the health care unit.
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