Autopsy Weight Standard
A set of reference organ-weight tables used in paediatric autopsy practice to assess whether individual organ weights are appropriate for gestational or postnatal age, sex, and body weight.
Full Definition
In paediatric and perinatal autopsy pathology, autopsy weight standards are validated normative tables or regression equations that allow pathologists to determine whether individual organ weights (brain, heart, liver, kidneys, adrenals, thymus, spleen, lungs) fall within the expected range for a given age, sex, and body weight. Deviations indicate pathological processes such as organomegaly, hypoplasia, or atrophy. Commonly cited references include the Archie et al., Krous et al., and Schulz et al. tables. Editors working with perinatal pathology reports should confirm that the reference standard cited is age-appropriate and consistently applied throughout the document.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the reference source for the standard used; multiple competing tables exist and are not interchangeable.
In Context
- "Organ weights were compared against autopsy weight standards for gestational age and found to be within normal limits for all organs except the spleen." — Perinatal autopsy report
- "The editor verified that the autopsy weight standard cited was appropriate for a 32-week gestation, not a term neonate." — Pathology report review