Chromosome studies at the paediatric necropsy.

The results of chromosome studies from 1193 consecutive paediatric necropsies in Edinburgh and 331 in Adelaide are given. In the Edinburgh series 51 major chromosome abnormalities were detected in 780 (6.5%) necropsies where chromosome studies were successful and in Adelaide 16 in 295 (5.4%) were found. It is suggested that chromosome studies should become an integral part of the paediatric necropsy except for deaths due to primary central nervous system lesions and trauma.