Factors Associated with Autopsy Consent in Pediatric Oncology: A 10-Year Review

Autopsy remains an important diagnostic and research modality in pediatric oncology. This study examined demographic and clinical factors associated with parental acceptance or decline of autopsy in childhood cancer.

This study was a retrospective chart review of autopsy consent acceptance or decline patterns between 2007 and 2017 for inpatient pediatric oncology deaths in a large single-site oncology hospital. Demographic factors (age, race, gender), diagnostic factors (primary cancer, transplant history, and neurologic status 24 h prior to death), interventions (intensive care unit location, dialysis, ventilator, chemotherapy, medically administered nutrition), and code status in the 24 h prior to death were obtained. Analysis included descriptive and statistical correlations.

Among 344 inpatient decedents, 34% of families consented to autopsy. There was a difference in consent rate according to race (p = 0.015). Diagnosis, transplant status, age, and neurologic status showed no association. Use of dialysis (p < 0.001), ventilation (p < 0.001), and intensive care unit (ICU) location (p < 0.001) correlated with higher consent rates. Chemotherapy and assisted nutrition were not associated with decisions. Presence of a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order predicted lower consent (p < 0.001), while receipt of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at death predicted higher consent (p < 0.001).

One-third of families of inpatient pediatric oncology decedents with cancer agreed to autopsy. Demographic and diagnostic factors were not universally strong predictors, underscoring the personal nature of autopsy decisions. Further research should include multisite prospective designs and direct engagement with bereaved families.