International issues in stillbirth

Abstract

The phenomenon of stillbirth has been poorly addressed in terms of reported statistics and as a clinical issue. A Study Group of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine reviewed the topic and highlighted specific issues. Such proposal was discussed in an open workshop held in Modena, Italy last year and this paper reports the final recommendations. Briefly, at least 22 completed weeks of gestation was endorsed as definition for including SB in statistics and for clinical studies. A minimum diagnostic work-up was suggested together with the emphasis toward a local, multidisciplinary audit process, in order to comprehend causality. Attention for parents emotional support and appropriate counselling was believed as essential part of the clinical process. Finally, the need for funding comprehensive research programs in SB through international, multidisciplinary involvement was believed mandatory for developing effective preventative strategies to avert the devastating occurrence of stillbirth.