Re. Co. De.: a better classification for determination of still births.

OBJECTIVE To test the classification system Re. Co. De. to improve our understanding of the main causes associated with fetal deaths. METHOD The study included 348 women who were admitted with intrauterine deaths. After the stillborn babies were examined along with the placenta. The causes were classified according to Re. Co. De. system. RESULTS The analysis of the new classification (Re. Co. De.) allowed attributable causes to about 90% of cases of stillbirth explained while 10% where unexplained. The commonest cause was found to be toxaemia of pregnancy, followed by IUGR, rupture uterus, obstructed labour, abruptio placentae etc. CONCLUSION The Re. Co. De. system gives us a better understanding of antecedents of stillbirth and the clinical practices, which need to be addressed to reduce perinatal mortality and have a better obstetric result in the next pregnancy.