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A comparison of stillborn birth weights and postmortem weights
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. hpinar@wihri.org
Summary
Birth weights of stillborns are more accurate than postmortem weights. Factors like maceration and gestational age significantly impact weight loss, with higher maceration and older age leading to greater discrepancies.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Forensic Pathology
- Neonatal Research
Background:
- Accurate weight assessment is crucial for stillborn infants.
- Discrepancies between birth and postmortem weights are common.
- Understanding factors influencing weight loss is essential for accurate data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare birth weights with postmortem examination weights in stillborns.
- To investigate the influence of gestational age, maceration, gender, and time to examination on weight loss.
Main Methods:
- Prospective comparison of birth weights and postmortem weights in 212 stillborns.
- Analysis of variables including gestational age, degree of maceration, birth weight, gender, and time elapsed to examination.
Main Results:
- An average weight decrease of 50g (7.1%) was observed between birth and postmortem weights.
- Higher degree of maceration and older gestational age significantly correlated with greater weight loss.
- Gender, birth weight, and time to examination did not significantly affect weight loss.
Conclusions:
- Significant discrepancies exist between birth and postmortem weights in stillborns.
- Degree of maceration and gestational age are key determinants of weight loss.
- Birth weights are more accurate than postmortem weights for stillborns.
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