Diagnostic evaluation of intrauterine fetal deaths in Stockholm 1998-99

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2002; 81: 284-292. © Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2002 Background. To evaluate the diagnostic methods and to elucidate the etiology of intrauterine fetal death. Material and methods. A prospective study was conducted on all intrauterine fetal deaths occurring in Stockholm County in 1998-99. During a 24-month period, 188 cases of intrauterine fetal death with gestational ages of ≥ 22 weeks were investigated in accordance with structured test protocol. All information from antenatal and delivery records as well as all test results were entered in to an Internet-based database for continuous evaluation. Results. A presumptive explanation to the stillbirth was established in 91% of the cases. The most common factors associated with intrauterine fetal death could be identified as infections (24%), placental insufficiency/intrauterine growth restriction (22%), placental abruption (19%), intercurrent maternal conditions (12%), congenital malformations (10%), and umbilical cord complication...