SUDI Flashcards
When would an infant death be classed as SUDI?
All deaths which happen suddenly and, for which there is no apparent reason, are unexpected
Why is SUDI used as an umbrella term?
Initially all causes of sudden death are unknown so are defined as SUDI until more info is known
When would SUDI appear on a death certificate?
If the death is still unexplained following post mortem
What is SIDS?
Sudden infant death syndrome = occasionally used where there is no pathology or risk factors present, diagnosis of exclusion
What term may be used to describe SUDI or SIDS?
Cot death
What accounts for the largest number of infant deaths for those aged 2-6 months?
SUDI = reduction in incidence after 12 months
What are the intrinsic risk factors for SUDI?
Acute illness with symptoms present at time of death but not significant as cause of death
Preterm birth before 37 weeks gestation
Congenital anomaly not causing death
Multiple birth or small for gestational age
Previous SUDI
Is SUDI more common in girls or boys?
More common in male infants
What are the extrinsic risk factors for SUDI?
Alcohol use by mother >2 units in last 24hrs
Co-sleeping, sleeping prone or side-sleeping
Substance misuse by parent
Poor housing or overcrowding
Smoking by mother either in pregnancy or postnatally
Domestic violence
What are the models for investigating SUDI?
Coroner or medical examiner led
Healthcare led
Police led
Joint agency approach
What are some features of a coroner or medical examiner led investigation?
History taken by police at scene
Death scene examiner does examination at site
May do autopsy and case reviews
What are some features of healthcare led investigations?
History taken by doctor
Death scene examination done by police and doctor
May do autopsy
Do multi-disciplinary case review
What are some features of a police led investigation?
History and death scene examination done by police
May do autopsy
What are some features of a joint agency approach to an investigation?
History taken by both police and paediatrician
Death scene examination done jointly by police and paediatrician
Mandatory autopsy
Multi-agency case review done
