A retrospective autopsy study of 42 cases of stillbirth in Avicenna Research Institute

BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization about 2.6 million deaths were reported worldwide in 2015. More than 98% of stillbirths occur in developing countries. At present, the causes of many cases of stillbirth are unknown due to the lack of necessary data and autopsies in Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the most plausible cause of stillbirth by evaluating clinical records and autopsies. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 42 stillbirth autopsies in Avicenna Research Institute from 2012 to 2019, was conducted. Data were extracted from a checklist prepared by the project researchers. The checklist contains maternal demographic information, medical history and maternal illness, pregnancy risk factors, placenta and stillbirth information. Collected data were reviewed and classified according to the ReCoDe (Relevant Condition at Death) system. RESULTS: In the present study, based on ReCoDe classification, related causes of 95.2% of stillbirths were identified and 4.8% were in the unclassified group. The most common causes were: Fetal causes (64.3%), umbilical cord (14.3%), placenta (7.1%), amniotic fluid (4.8%), maternal medical conditions (2.4%). The causes of about 70% of stillbirth in Iran are unexplained, but in this study, using autopsy results and ReCoDe classification, only 4.8% of stillbirth causes remained unexplained. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, unknown cases were rare after autopsy. But considering the limitations and costs of autopsy, we need to design the guideline to specify cases who need an autopsy. Fetal autopsy, placental examination and clinical information could reduce the proportion of stillbirths that remain unexplained. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04822-9.