Autopsy studies on still births in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital: pathological findings in still births and their placentae

Abstract

Autopsy and histological examinations were carried out on 93 still born fetuses, whose parents gave consent, and their placentae. The commonest pathological finding was asphyxia induced changes which manifested predominantly as haemorrhages in various organs. The associated placental pathological changes were villous oedema, large placental infarcts (more than 20% of placental volume), increased intervillous fibrin deposition and subchorionic haemorrhage in various combinations. Evidence of fetal infection was present in 9 cases (9.7%) but placental inflammation was present in 24.8% of cases. None of the placentae showed the presence of malarial parasites. Lethal congenital malformations were present in 6.2% and maternal floor infarction in 14% of cases. Autopsy and histological examinations of still-born fetuses and their placentae are useful in providing information that may be relevant in the counselling of parents and the extended family (where appropriate) and in auditing antenatal and intrapartum care.