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Investigation of sudden unexpected deaths in infancy
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Editor,—The CESDI study report on sudden unexpected deaths in infancy1 and the paper in this journal by Ward, Platt, et al,2emphasise the importance of thorough investigation of all sudden infant deaths if the true cause is to be found.
The history of an apparent life threatening event emerges as a significant risk factor for sudden unexpected death and this, together with symptoms of ill health including sweating in the 24 hours before death, suggests that death in these cases may be due to a metabolic cause in a vulnerable infant.
Guidelines for management of sudden unexpected death in infants under two years old
- 1.
- Break the news to parents, explain about the urgency and nature of investigations, and the obligation to inform the coroner, but do not delay taking specimens for metabolic investigations whilst you take a history and examine the baby.
- 2.
- Inform the coroner and obtain permission to take specimens.
- 3.
- Blood—Perform a …