[A kyematopathologic study of perinatal deaths]

On the basis of macro- and microscopic findings of the organs and placentas of 574 perinatally deceased children questionnaires were conceived. They should complement already running peri- and neonatal surveys. In considering also clinical data a primary cause of death was attempted to define with each of 326 cases of whom 51% had died before birth, 4% sub partu, and 44% during the first week of life. Among primary causes of death anoxia/asphyxia (66%), gross malformations (16%), and infections (15%) were most frequent. There were many small-for-dates among stillborns (59%) and early neonatal deaths (44%). In 89% of the neonatal deaths (less than 37 weeks of gestation) microscopic placental insufficiency was found. Most probably the spectrum of causes of death is different now. However, the impact of prenatal growth retardation on mortality and morbidity seems to persist. We recommend to include the weight-gestational age relationship in vital statistics.