Journal article
Continuing major inconsistencies in the classification of unexpected infant deaths
Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Vol.64, pp.20-22
2019
Abstract
The classification of the cause of unexpected infant deaths by both pathologists and researchers may be quite inconsistent. For example, if an infant is found lying face down on soft bedding the death may still be certified as 'sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)', 'accidental suffocation', 'undetermined', 'unclassified sudden infant death (USID)', or 'sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)'. As the San Diego definition of SIDS does not appear to be rigorously or consistently applied, clarifying 'mechanical asphyxia not determined with certainty' may help to more clearly separate SIDS from USID. Including a classification algorithm with the definition may also help to better define unsafe sleep factors and suffocation. This commentary reviews the current situation with regard to classifying these deaths and concludes that the absence of diagnostic pathological markers with conflicting classification systems has led to idiosyncratic certification practices.
Details
- Title
- Continuing major inconsistencies in the classification of unexpected infant deaths
- Authors
- Roger W Byard (Author) - University of AdelaideRebecca A Shipstone (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Nursing, Midwifery & ParamedicineJeanine Young (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedicine
- Publication details
- Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Vol.64, pp.20-22
- Publisher
- Churchill Livingstone
- Date published
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.03.007
- ISSN
- 1752-928X; 1752-928X
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nursing; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451448402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Industry collaboration
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Medicine, Legal
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