Human genetics
-
Stillbirth after 20 weeks gestation happens in 1 in 200 pregnancies and occurs more commonly than neonatal loss and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDs) combined. The stillbirth rate is several times greater in low as opposed to high-resource countries. However, among high-resource countries, although a lower overall stillbirth rate exists, there has been little change for several decades. ⋯ The channelopathy disorders are included as initial examples of genetic conditions with variable presentation including an association with sudden infant death syndrome. Highlighted are the challenges when numerous genes and variants are involved, and the task of assigning pathogenicity. The advantages and limitations of genetic evaluations are presented and avenues for further research considered.