Decoding stillbirths using relevant condition at death classification in a tertiary care hospital in North India: A retrospective hospital-based study

Objectives: The objective of the study is to know the stillbirth rate and causes of stillbirth using relevant condition at death (ReCoDe) classification. Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study. The medical records of women with stillbirth between January 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, were retrieved and analyzed for the cause of stillbirth using ReCoDe classification. The study was approved by institutional ethics committee. Results: There were a total of 4520 deliveries during the study and of these 78 were stillbirths, a rate of 17.2/1000 births. Maternal factors such as Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), preeclampsia and eclampsia, and undiagnosed congenital anomalies were significantly more common in un-booked mothers in the study subjects. Using ReCoDe classification the cause could be assigned to 88% of stillbirths. The most common maternal causes were PIH and antepartum hemorrhage while the most common fetal causes were severe growth retardation and lethal congenital anomalies. Medical conditions associated with stillbirths were found in 41.2% (32) mothers. Conclusion: ReCoDe classification is a useful, easy-to-use tool and can assign a cause to majority of stillbirths.