Age trends in autopsy rates. Striking decline in late life
J. C. Ahronheim, A. S. Bernholc and W. D. Clark
Age-related autopsy rates were computed from 99,145 death certificates and
disclosed a striking decline with advancing age, the peak (82.5%) occurring
in the third decade of life, the nadir (2.4%) by age 90 years. The trend
was the same for both sexes, although at all ages men were more likely to
undergo autopsies than women. There was a significant decline in late life
for medical examiner (ME) and non-ME cases. Rates varied according to
immediate cause of death. The only causes of death in which there was no
significant age-associated decline were homicide, suicide, and transport
accidents, where autopsy is mandated by law. For other causes of death
analyzed, rates declined significantly with age in both sexes, for ME as
well as for non-ME cases. We conclude that low autopsy rates in late life
are not artifactual but represent an overall phenomenon deserving closer
scrutiny.
