Development of the ISA Classification System [CAG Pilot]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of the International Stillbirth Alliance Perinatal Death Classification System for Ending Preventable Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths in Data-Rich Settings – MBRRACE-UK
IRAS ID
322545
Contact name
Elizabeth Draper
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 30 days
Research summary
The cause of death of perinatal babies and children is still often classified as unknown, with deaths being possibly preventable. Despite the reduction in the proportion of stillbirths that have been classified as ‘unknown’ for COD, one-third of stillbirths still fall into this category (33% in 2020); a rate of 1.08 per 1,000 total births(1). By carrying out evaluations of current and new cause of death (COD) coding systems it may be possible to gain a better understanding of why babies die. Coding should be standardised between care providers and improved so that the number of unknown causes of death are reduced. By classifying deaths accurately, it may be possible to provide preventative care or treatment before, or during pregnancies. In addition to prevention, accurately recording COD may provide those whom have lost babies some comfort from understanding what happened to their baby and reassurance that it was not their fault. This may also help them to make informed choices about future pregnancies.
A single universally adopted system would allow health care providers within the UK and in other countries to share data and strategies intended to reduce perinatal mortality globally.
In order to evaluate the cause of death systems, (ISA Classification System, with existing classification systems (WHO (ICD-PM), the CODAC and PSANZ-PDC), 100 cases of perinatal death that occurred during 2019 in England and Wales will be assigned cause of death by a panel of expert healthcare providers.
Once coding assignments have been carried out, statistical analysis will be carried out to understand which system provides the best quality data.1. Draper ES et.al, on behalf of the MBRRACE-UK Collaboration. MBRRACE-UK Perinatal Mortality Surveillance Report, UK Perinatal Deaths for Births from January to December 2020. Leicester: The Infant Mortality and Morbidity Studies, Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester. 2022
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0812
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion