Continuing major inconsistencies in the classification of unexpected infant deaths

Roger W Byard; Rebecca A Shipstone; Jeanine Young

doi:10.1016/j.jflm.2019.03.007

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Continuing major inconsistencies in the classification of unexpected infant deaths

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Continuing major inconsistencies in the classification of unexpected infant deaths

Roger W Byard, Rebecca A Shipstone and Jeanine Young

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Vol.64, pp.20-22

2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2019.03.007

PMID: 30897532

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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 Adelaide
Rebecca A Shipstone (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedicine
Jeanine 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
PMID: 30897532
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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