Study on various congenital anomalies in fetal autopsy

Abstract

Introduction: The study of dead is to save the livings. Congenital malformations have become important cause of fetal and neonatal (perinatal) mortality in developed countries and would very soon be increasingly important determinants of fetal mortality in developing countries like India. The fetal autopsy plays the vital role in the conformation, identification of congenital anomalies and also for the counselling of the parents, to prevent the fetal congenital anomalies in further pregnancies. This study was undertaken with the purpose of finding out cause of death during the perinatal period at government kilpauk medical college Chennai and to study the clinical and pathological findings in fetal death.

Methods: The retrospective study of congenital anomalies in fetal deaths was done at government kilpauk medical college Chennai over a time period of 1 years from june 2015 to June 2016. The present study included dead fetus.autopsy was performed by standard technique. External and internal findings are followed by histopathological examination and autopsy findings were compared with available ultrasound findings.

Results: A total of 7 Autopsies performed. , there were 4 male and 3 female babies. Two babies showed external malformation and five babies showed internal congenital anomalies. Congenital anomalies were commonest in the birth weight group of 100-800 grams. Malformations of central nervous system, cardiovascular system and abdomen were most common followed by genitourinary and musculoskeletal system respectively.

Conclusion: Perinatal deaths occurred in low birth weight and preterm babies. Study of malformations greatly helpful in genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis in successive pregnancies.