[Frequency of lethal congenital malformations. Experience supported by 600 autopsies]

Data analysis of 600 neonatal necropsies performed in our Center from 1978 to 1984, has shown that in 200 cases one or more lethal malformations were observed: the most frequent concerned the central nervous system (33 cases), the urinary tract system (28 cases) and the cardiovascular system (26 cases). A genetic determinism was considered in 127 cases (63,5%). Usually a genetic counselling follows neonatal death in our Center: necropsy findings are then most useful: the authors advocate the interest of a close collaboration between pathologists and geneticists.