Evaluation of forensic perinatal and neonatal autopsies in Istanbul

Objective Autopsy findings play an important role in prevention of perinatal and neonatal deaths. Therefore, we attempted to reveal demographic and forensic features of these deaths in Turkey. Methods We retrospectively reviewed autopsy reports for 184 cases of perinatal deaths released from Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institute Morgue between 2000 and 2002 and investigated demographic and medico-legal features of the cases. Results The mean age of the cases was 2.98 ± 6.41 days. Fifteen point two percent (15.2 2%) of the cases were of murder, 52.7% of the cases were illegitimate children and 41.3% had the ability to survive. Conclusion It can be suggested that autopsy and post-mortem examinations should be performed in order to determine the real causes and contributing factors of perinatal and neonatal deaths. Data obtained in autopsies and postmortem examinations will make great contributions to the prevention of these deaths.