Diagnostic contribution of postmortem needle biopsies in neonates

Ozgu Suna Celiloglu,Ahmet Karadag,Can Celiloglu,Ramazan Ozdemir,Erdal Kurnaz

doi:10.5146/tjpath.2013.01162

Abstract

We examined the contribution of neonatal postmortem needle biopsy in circumstances of autopsy denial where magnetic resonance imaging cannot be performed. 247 postmortem needle biopsy specimens of 76 neonatal cases who died in the neonatal intensive care ward of a tertiary hospital between 2005 and 2010 and where the family did not give permission for an autopsy were retrospectively evaluated. 90 needle biopsy attempts (36.4%) were unsuccessful among the 247 biopsies. Liver needle biopsies were found to yield the most valuable diagnostic contribution. A total of 53 liver biopsies provided clinical information that contributed to the diagnosis. The postmortem needle biopsy should be applied in all cases in which standard biopsy cannot be performed. Success rates and level of information gained by extrahepatic needle organ biopsies in neonates were found to be quite low whereas needle biopsies of the liver yielded valuable results. We believe it is more appropriate to perform percutaneous postmortem biopsies solely on the liver in neonates.

Highlights

Newborn life expectancy in Turkey is increasing with each passing year (1)
The postmortem evaluation of babies, especially those that have died in the newborn period without a definite diagnosis, can guide us when diagnosing possible additional pathologies not detected during their lifetime, providing prenatal counseling to the patient’s family for other pregnancies, and planning appropriate follow-up of the mother and the baby during future pregnancies
Postmortem autopsy is recommended to the family of each newborn following death (3)

Summary

Introduction

Newborn life expectancy in Turkey is increasing with each passing year (1). The postmortem evaluation of babies, especially those that have died in the newborn period without a definite diagnosis, can guide us when diagnosing possible additional pathologies not detected during their lifetime, providing prenatal counseling to the patient’s family for other pregnancies, and planning appropriate follow-up of the mother and the baby during future pregnancies. All the examinations performed after the death of a patient are within the scope of an autopsy. Postmortem autopsy is recommended to the family of each newborn following death (3). Postmortem percutaneous needle biopsy examination and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alone is recommended when autopsy cannot be performed (Turk Patoloji Derg 2013, 29:122-126)

Results

Discussion

Conclusion