The value of neonatal autopsies

Autopsy was performed on 221 of the 223 neonatal deaths that occurred over a period of 3 years (1989-1991). Clinically active problems at the time of death were identified in a combined clinicopathological approach. Prematurity associated conditions accounted for 51 per cent of deaths. Autopsy alone gave the diagnosis in 22 per cent of cases, confirmed the clinically suspected diagnosis in 68 per cent of cases and in 9 per cent of cases it was non-contributory; 69 per cent of deaths were considered non-preventable in our centre.