Causes of perinatal death defined by autopsy at Ramathibodi Hospital.

Most causes of death during the fetal period are still unknown in all birth weight groups. Intrauterine anoxia evidence by clinical data and autopsy finding is the leading known cause in infants 1,001-2,500 g and over 2,500 g. In the early neonatal period in infants 1,001-2,500 g and over 2,500 g, the most common cause of death is congenital malformation which was also found as the main cause in the late neonatal over 2,500 g group. More than half of the deaths in the late neonatal period 1,001-2,500 g group, were caused by infection. Congenital syphilis and tetanus neonatorum which existed in the first study were not found in this study which reflects improved medical care.