[Autopsy in peri- and neonatology--an essential step in quality control. Data on autopsy frequency in Saxony]

In the framework of a general quality assurance compaign the working group for peri- and neonatology at the General Medical Council of Saxony has investigated the frequency, conclusiveness and development of autopsies in Saxony between 1992 and 1997/98. There were observable different autopsy rates depending on the degree of neonate maturity. Thus, the autopsy rate of stillbirths having birth weights from 500 to 999 g amounted to 79.7%, and that of stillbirths above 1000 g birth weight to only 59.4%. The abduction rate of neonates dying before day 7 of life was 65.7%. It is remarkable that the abduction rates declines from 79.1 to 62.9% in all weight classes of premature and full-term neonates from 1992 to 1997. The possible reasons for the decline of autopsies and the problems emerging for quality assurance are discussed.