Predictors of autopsy following stillbirth in Queensland, Australia: a population-based study

Background: Accurate determination of causes of stillbirth is critical to effective prevention. Autopsy remains the gold standard investigation for stillbirth; however, with low autopsy rates many stillbirths are likely to be ‘unexplored’ rather than ‘unexplained’. Aim: To determine factors associated with autopsy following stillbirth. Materials and methods: Routinely collected population-based data on all singleton stillbirths of at least 400\ua0g birthweight or 20\ua0weeks gestation in Queensland between July 2000 and December 2011 were examined. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR, 99% CI) were calculated accounting for sociodemographic, pregnancy and medical factors. Of interest was initially unexplained stillbirth on the death certificate; analysis was stratified by gestational age group