Challenges in classification and assignment of causes of stillbirths in low- and lower middle-income countries

Methodology to Determine Cause of Death for Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths Using Automated Case Reports and a Cause-of-Death Panel

“…Expert panel evaluation is the preferred method for COD determination, but it can be subjective and time-consuming [ 16 ]. The variation in available medical records, especially in LMICs, can make that process challenging.…”

The causes of stillbirths in south Asia: results from a prospective study in India and Pakistan (PURPOSe)

“… 1 , 2 , 3 The causes of stillbirth in this region, as in most low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), are mostly identified with verbal autopsy or clinical determination. 4 , 5 , 6 Compared with other causes of death, an accurate cause cannot often be identified through verbal autopsy or clinical observation, and, in some settings, more than 75% of all stillbirths have unknown causes. 4 , 5 These gaps in understanding the causes of stillbirth have probably contributed to the slow progress in reducing stillbirth incidence, especially in LMICs.…”

Preventable stillbirths in the Solomon Islands – A hidden tragedy

“…The first step in reducing the burden of stillbirth is to accurately record cases and causes between nations. However, with a number of stillbirths occurring outside health facilities and no agreed universal classification system, it is difficult to obtain comparable estimates [ 1 , 5 ]. In many LMICs, the lack of diagnostics tools makes ascertaining timing and cause of death is especially challenging [ 1 , 5 , 6 ].…”

“…However, with a number of stillbirths occurring outside health facilities and no agreed universal classification system, it is difficult to obtain comparable estimates [ 1 , 5 ]. In many LMICs, the lack of diagnostics tools makes ascertaining timing and cause of death is especially challenging [ 1 , 5 , 6 ]. While stillbirths are not nationally classified, they are detailed at The National Referral Hospital which creates an opportunity to glimpse the state of stillbirth in this Western Pacific nation.…”

“…Our findings clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the ICD-PM in this setting. Through focussed research efforts, we may be able to shine a light on why stillbirths are occurring and what can be done to prevent them [ 5 , 7 ]. Only when every mother and baby is counted can we hope to significantly reduce preventable stillbirth in the Asia-Pacific.…”