Presented at the Neonatal Society 2002 Spring Meeting.

Brodlie M, Laing IA, Keeling JW, McKenzie KJ (introduced by Dr I A Laing)

Neonatal Unit, Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9YW

Introduction: The neonatal autopsy is an important investigation with new information being obtained in about a quarter of cases (1). Despite the importance of autopsy, during 1990 and 1999 the neonatal autopsy rate in SE Scotland fell by a mean of 2.8% per year. With the publication of the Redfern inquiry and McLean report we anticipated a further fall in the autopsy rate.

Aim: To identify recent trends in the neonatal autopsy rate at a tertiary referral centre.

Methods: A retrospective review of patient records covering 78 deaths between January 1 1999 and October 31 2001.

Results:

Conclusions: The autopsy rate has continued to fall from the level in 1999, with a greater decline since the recent adverse publicity. Low autopsy rates may impair the ability of clinicians to provide high quality advice to families. A concerted effort is required to counteract public anxiety and reinstate the neonatal autopsy to a position of high clinical importance.

References
1. Brodlie M et al. Brit Med J 2002: In press