Fetal autopsy parameters standards: biometry, organ weights, and long bone lengths

Fetal and perinatal growth charts and tables are essential for proper interpretation of autopsy anthropometric parameters. These parameters depend on factors that may vary between populations; thus, it is recommended that standards be developed from local target populations to ensure that they are truly representative. In this study, we established standards for a complete set of autopsy fetal parameters, including biometrical measurements, organ weights and long bone lengths, based on autopsy data collected retrospectively from a sample of Portuguese fetuses and neonates. Using a robust statistical regression methodology, to fit mean and standard deviation models, we constructed growth curves for gestational ages between 12 and 42 weeks, which aim to be useful for autopsy examination, particularly in the Portuguese population.