The costochondral junction during later stages of intrauterine life, and abnormal growth patterns found in association with perinatal death

Abstract

A histological study of the costochondral junction has been carried out on a large series of perinatal deaths. The normal and abnormal appearances of the costochondral junction of the older foetuses are described. Two types of deformity were found, interpreted as due to growth arrest and to a bizarre form of growth. The evidence suggests that, of children dying during labour or in the neonatal period, approximately 75% show evidence of disordered growth in utero before labour has begun. The histological study of the costochondral junction is an extremely valuable part of the study of any perinatal death.