A Clinical Study of Fetal Death in Utero

choi, J H; Seung, K R

Abstract

A Clinical study was made on 81 cases of Fetal Death in Utero (FDIU) among 4968 deliveries at KonKuk University Hospital for 5 years from January 1992 to December 1996. The results were as follows: 1. The incidence of FDIU was 1.63 %. 2. The highest incidence of FDIU was in the 25 to 29 year old age group (59.3 %). 3. The parity of mothers with FDIU was most highest in nulliparous group (51.9 %). 4. There were 3 cases (3.7%) with previous history of FDIU and 11 cases (13.5%) with previous history of spontaneous abortion. 5. The most common gestational weeks when FDIU was detected was 20 to 24 weeks gestation period (54.3 %). 6. Most (90.2 %) of FDIU weighted less than 2500 gm. 7. The mode of delivery for FDIU was induced labor (54.3 %), spontaneous delivery (28.4 %), and laparotomy (17.3 %). 8. The causes of FDIU were unexplained cause (35.8 %), cord complications (24.7 %), congenital anomaly (16.1 %) in order. 9. There were 40 cases (49.3 %) of maternal complications. The most common complication was intrapartum or postpartum fever (65 %), followed by hemorrhage (20 %). 10. The results of abnormal coagulation test were as follows: The platelet count was decreased below the level of 100,000/mm3 in 2.8 % of the cases, the prothrombin time was prolonged above 14 seconds in 5.2 %, the serum fibrinogen level was decreased below 150 mg/dl in 7.8 %, the FDPs level was increased above the level of 40microgram/ml in 5.4 %.