[Intrauterine deaths: a clinical and pathologic analysis]

Twenty four cases of intrauterine death occurred in 3,834 deliveries from Jan. 1985 to Dec. 1987 in our hospital. The causes of fetal deaths were analysed on the basis of maternal complications and pathologic findings. Maternal complications, such as pregnancy induced hypertension, abnormal glucose tolerance test, anemia, infection ............ were observed in 18 cases (75.0%). At delivery, 4 babies (16.6%) were found to have cord around neck and 1 with short umbilical cord. Marked abnormalities of placenta were demonstrated in 12 cases (50.0%) and fetal abnormalities in 4 cases (16.6%). Clinically, intrauterine deaths were often preceded by signs of growth retardation, reduced fetal movements and abnormal NST test. Gravidography, fetal movement counting, non-stress test, and ultrasonic scanning may be helpful in predicting this catastrophe.