Factors influencing neonatal autopsy rate
W. M. Maniscalco and T. A. Clarke
To determine if common clinical factors are associated with the neonatal
autopsy rate, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 117 deaths in a
neonatal intensive care unit. The autopsy rate of neonatal deaths was
significantly greater than the autopsy rate of adult and non-neonatal
pediatric deaths. In the newborn period, the autopsy rate of transported
patients was significantly less than that of inborn patients. Among those
transported, autopsies were significantly less common in patients of low
birth weight or low gestational age. Furthermore, among all newborns dying
within two days of admission, transported patients were less likely to
undergo autopsies than inborn patients. Other factors, including maternal
age, race, and marital status, did not affect the autopsy rate of newborn
deaths. These data suggest that early separation of the mother from her
infant and the medical team caring for the infant adversely affect the
process of autopsy request and consent.
