An evaluation of stillbirths in İstanbul by examining death certificates

Despite the fact that the frequency of stillbirth is estimated to be about the same as that of early neonatal deaths, stillbirth records and statistics are not kept on a regular basis worldwide and their causes cannot be determined. The aim of our study was to examine the causes and characteristics of stillbirths in Istanbul.

All death certificates of 2011 archived in 8 District Cemetery Directorships, which manage 322 cemeteries within the boundaries of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, were examined. Based on the burial licences, weight, gestational weeks, the main cause and causes of death related to stillbirth were analyzed. Cervical insufficieny, placenta abnormalities, preeclampsia, complications of multiple pregnancy, chronic diseases of mothers, conditions including malignancy in mothers were evaluated under the title of "maternal and gestational causes." Intrapartum infections, meconium aspiration, and asphyxia were evaluated under the title of "perinatal causes."

A total of 2078 stillbirths and 128 abortus records were found among the death certificates. Nineteen of the abortus records and 109 stillbirths were misidentified. A total of 1988 stillbirth records were examined, of which 68.4% were low-birth-weight babies (<2 500 g). Approximately three quarters of the stillbirths were mild preterm and extremely preterm babies, whereas 10% were at or more than 37 gestastional weeks. The cause of death was not known in 30% of the stillbirths.

The cause of death was not known in a significant portion of stillbirths in Istanbul. Recordings should be made more meticulosuly directed to the cause of death. The cause of stillbirth in term babies is another research subject. Regional and global epidemiologic studies are needed to understand the causes of stillbirths and thus to take necessary precautions.