The importance of a forensics investigation of sudden infant death syndrome: recommendations for developing, low and middle income countries
Keywords:
Sudden infant deaths syndrome, SIDS, Death investigation, Forensics, Developing countriesAbstract
Sudden infant deaths syndrome (SIDS), the sudden and unexpecteddeath of a normal and healthy infant, has remaineda medical and forensic mystery. Despite years of research allattempts to ascertain the exact cause and manner of deathhave failed. The information collected during the course ofthe comprehensive investigation by the various investigationagencies and analysis of the data has not been in vain. Theepidemiological, demographic, and pathological data haveidentified distinctive features and risk factors associated withinfants that died from SIDS. Epidemiological data has providedthe unique characteristics of infants that died of SIDSthat differentiates them from non-SIDS infants. Analysis ofinformation from the death scene investigation has identifiedkey risk factor behaviour associated with SIDS, namelythe prone sleeping position. Pathological examination of theinternal organs, specifically the brain, has shown some differencesbetween SIDS and non-SIDS infants. However, togain a complete picture of SIDS data, all countries around theworld must provide information, even basic information, tounderstand this syndrome better. Developing countries mustunderstand their role and importance in developing plans toinvestigate, collect, and disseminate SIDS data to the rest ofthe world. This paper provides general guidelines for the investigationof SIDS in developing countries.Downloads
References
CDC SIDS Data. Available at www.cdc/gov/SIDS/PDF/SUIDSIforms.pdf.
Background Note: Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. Available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2868.htm#profile.
World Population Prospects The 2006 Revision. Available at: http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/wpp2006/WPP2006_Highlights_rev.pdf.
CIA World Factbook. Available at: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/ the-world-factbook/rankorder/ 2091 rank.html
Adama SM, Good MW, Defranco GM. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome American Family Physician. 2009;79:870-4.
Beckwith JB. The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Curr Probl Paediatr. 1973;3:1-36.
Willinger M, James LS, Catz C. Defining the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Pediatr Pathol. 1991;11:677-84.
Sharma BR Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: A Subject of Medicolgal Research. Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2007;28:69-72.
Mitchell EA. Recommendations for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Prevention: A Discussion Document. Arch Dis Child. 2007;92:155-9.
Sudden unexpected death in infancy: A multiagency protocol for care and investigation. The report of a working group convened by The Royal College of Pathologists and The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health; 2004.
Koehler SA. Forensic Epidemiology. CDC Press. Boca Raton. 2010.
Saternus KS. Sudden Infant Death: Focus subject of medicolegal research. Forensic Sci Int. 2004;144:247-53.
Clark SC. Sudden, Unexplained Death Investigation. Department of Health and Human Services. CDC, Atlanta GA; 2007.
DeMaio VJ. Forensic Pathology CRC Press Botc Raton; 2001.
McConkie-Rosell A, Iafolla AK. Medium-chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: Its relationship to SIDS and the impact on genetic counseling. Journal of Genetic Counseling. 1993;217-27.
O’Neal BJ Investigating Infant Deaths. CRC Press, Boca Raton; 2007.
Leiter JC, Bohm I. Mechanisms of pathogenesis in the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology. 2007;159:127-38.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Changing concepts of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome implications for infant sleeping position: AAP Task Force on Infant Sleep Position and SIDS. Pediatrics. 2000;105:650-6.
Moon RY, Horne RS, Hauck FR. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Lancet. 2007;370:1578-87.
Narita N, Narita N, Taksahima S. Serotonin transporters gene variation is a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in the Japanese population. Pediatrics. 2001;107:690-92.
Weese-Mayer DE, Beery-Kravis EM, Maher BS. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with a promoter polymorphism of the serotonin transporters gene. Am J Med Genet A. 2003;117:268-74.
Weese-Mayer DE, Berry-Kravis EM, Zhou L. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Case-control frequency differences at genes pertinent to early autonomic nervous system embryologic development. Pediart Res. 2004;56:391-95.
Korachi M, Pravica V, Barson AJ. Interleukin 10 genotypes as a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome: Determination of the IL-10 genotype from wax embedded post-mortem samples. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2004;42:125-9.
