Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
09:41
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
The stillbirth collaborative research network postmortem examination protocol
Halit Pinar1, Matthew A Koch, Hal Hawkins
1Division of Perinatal Pathology, Women and Infants Hospital, Brown University, Alpert School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. halit.pinar@gmail.com
American Journal of Perinatology
|August 5, 2011
Summary
A standardized postmortem examination (PM) protocol was developed to investigate stillbirth (SB) causes. This Stillbirth Cooperative Research Network (SCRN) protocol enhances stillbirth evaluation consistency across the United States.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal pathology
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Limited guidance exists on optimal postmortem examination (PM) for determining stillbirth (SB) pathogenesis.
- A workshop sponsored by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) highlighted this knowledge gap.
Framework:
- A standardized perinatal PM protocol was developed by perinatal pathologists, clinicians, epidemiologists, and biostatisticians.
- This framework was designed for the NICHD-supported Stillbirth Cooperative Research Network (SCRN).
Implementation:
- The SCRN PM protocol was successfully implemented across four tertiary care centers.
- The protocol was applied to a population-based study involving 663 women experiencing stillbirth.
- 84.5% of women consented to PM for 572 stillborn infants.
Implications:
- The standardized protocol ensures consistent stillbirth evaluation across US centers.
- This model facilitates the development of novel testing and approaches to improve PM yield.
- Enhanced understanding of stillbirth causes can be achieved through consistent data collection.
