Limb reduction defects--autopsy study.

We present a case-control study of limb reduction defects taken from autopsy material of the Pathology Department of the University of Athens from the year 1986 to 1990. During this period 1725 perinatal autopsies were performed, in which 34 neonates were found to have had a limb reduction defect (LRD) (1.97%). The cases were divided into five subgroups: transverse, intercalary longitudinal, split, and multiple types of LRD. Of all the cases, 44.17% involved the upper limb, 41.17% the lower limb, and 14.70% both. Coexisting nonlimb malformations were found in 17 cases (50%), 5 with recognized syndromes and 12 with other associated defects. Risk factors correlated with LRD were found to be low birth weight (2500 g or less) and threatened abortion.