Protocol for the Evaluation of Aborted Fetuses and Stillborn Infants in the Delivery Room

Congenital defects may be isolated or multiple and represent a relevant cause of spontaneous abortion and fetal death when they are incompatible with the normal embryo-fetal development [1]. Furthermore, the routine prenatal ultrasound examination performed in many countries allows the detection of several major fetal defects and pregnancies are frequently terminated if the fetus is severely affected [2]. The systematic collection of relevant information regarding the family, personal and obstetric histories and the fetal evaluation after a miscarriage, stillbirth and termination of pregnancy are fundamental steps to reach a specific diagnosis. Formal protocols have been developed for stillbirth examination in Canada (Alberta Perinatal Health Program, Perinatal Services British Columbia), USA (Wisconsin Stillbirth Service Program, Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network), and Australia/New Zealand (Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand Clinical Practice Guideline for Perinatal Mortality) [3-7].