Abstract
Intrauterine fetal demise or termination for malformation is adverse obstetric outcomes,
agonizing for the parents and frustrating for health care providers. These events
are often unpredictable and investigation entails not only the evaluation of the fetus/neonate
but also the placenta. Though nothing can compensate the bereavement of families who
have encountered fetal or a neonatal loss, a meticulous study of the placental, fetal,
and neonatal tissues provides succor and help in the healing process. In recent times,
with extensive advances in the pediatric specialty, the significance and requirements
for perinatal autopsy have also commensurately heightened. There is an inordinate
need for an accurate diagnosis in order to render genetic counseling and ascertain
the implications of possible recurrence in future pregnancies. A conscientious perinatal
autopsy, supplemented by cytogenetic and metabolic evaluation, followed by dissemination
of the information to the parents, clinicians, and public health organizations is
of paramount importance. This not only assists in the clinical management and bereavement
closure but also helps in the reduction of perinatal mortality and morbidity. An autopsy
protocol assists in performing an adequate perinatal dissection, facilitates the recognition
and documentation of all relevant information and in addition also provides a format
for the collection, recording and presenting of data which facilitates collaborative
research. A brief account of the benefits and techniques of perinatal autopsy and
the protocol are presented.
Keywords Perinatal autopsy - Protocol - Consent form - Autopsy technique - In situ examination
- Provisional anatomic diagnosis
