The Stockholm classification of stillbirth consists of 17 diagnostic groups allowing one primary diagnosis and if needed, associated diagnoses. Diagnoses are subdivided according to definite, probable and possible relation to stillbirth. Validation showed high degree of agreement regarding primary diagnosis. The classification can provide a useful tool for clinicians and audit groups when discussing cause and underlying conditions of fetal death.

Objectives Nuchal translucency (NT) screening increases antenatal detection of Down syndrome (DS) compared to maternal age-based screening. We wanted to determine if a change in policy for prenatal diagnosis would result in fewer babies born with DS. Methods

There is not enough scientific evidence to conclude that computerized ST analysis reduces the incidence of metabolic acidosis. Cesarean sections and instrumental vaginal deliveries due to fetal distress or other indications are the same, regardless of method, but STAN® reduces the number of instances which require scalp blood sampling.

Acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening disease. To increase the awareness of this diagnosis as a cause of feto-maternal mortality during pregnancy, we have analyzed risk factors using information from five pregnant women admitted for acute aortic dissection to the Karolinska University Hospital over an eight-year period (1999-2007). Four of the women died and only one survived. One fetus was stillborn and all newborn infants showed signs of asphyxia at birth. Of the women, who were on average five years above the mean age for delivery in Sweden, three had hypertension, two had first-degree relatives with aortic dissection which had occurred during the second half of pregnancy (gestational age at diagnosis 26-41 weeks). The most common presenting symptoms were severe back, abdominal and leg pain, and confusion. If a rapid diagnosis is not made, the risk of mortality for both mother and fetus is high. The incidence of aortic rupture during pregnancy in Sweden appears to be 14.5/1,000,000 and the case maternal fatality ratio 4.4/1,000,000.

A relevant test protocol in cases of intrauterine fetal death reduces the number of unexplained cases to a minimum. An Internet-based register on test results of fetal deaths may enable a continuous evaluation of the diagnostic tools and etiologic factors in an ever-changing panorama. The results from the present study can serve as a base for a case-control study in Sweden.