PERINATAL AUTOPSY AND PLACENTAL EXAMINATION AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO DIAGNOSIS AND FOLLOW-UP AFTER A FETAL LOSS

Authors

  • Maria-Chiara Osterheld Argotlab, Lausanne, Switzerland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46793/PP151014002O

Keywords:

fetal autopsy, cause of death, placental examination

Abstract

Fetopathology is the study of fetal deaths or eventually developmental anomalies occurring during early or late pregnancy.  The major objectives of the fetal or perinatal autopsy are to evaluate gestational age, document growth and development, detect congenital abnormalities, analyze clinical diagnosis and treatment and determine the cause of death and possible recurrence risk. It must be associated to the analysis of the placenta to respond to questions concerning the cause of death or risks of recurrence in a subsequent pregnancy. The analysis follows a well-developped protocol and the results have to be interpreted by a multidisciplinary group including the obstetrician, the genetist, the neonatologist and the pathologist.

References

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Published

12/30/2015

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Section

Review Articles