Neonatal death Flashcards
Define neonatal death
Death during the first 28 days of life
What are the causes of neonatal death
Preterm birth
Childbirth-related complications (birth asphyxia, lack of breathing)
Infections
Birth defects
Define cot death/sudden infant death syndrome
The sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and a review of the clinical history
What are the causes of cot death/sudden infant death syndrome and what is the epidemiology
Aetiology unknown
Leading cause of infant death beyond the neonatal period
Most common at 3 months of age
What are the risk factors for cot death/sudden infant death syndrome
Prone, side, or inclined position at last sleep
Bed sharing
Soft sleeping surface/environment
Maternal cigarette smoking
Smoking in the same room as the child
Premature birth
Formula feeding
Maternal alcohol or drug use
What are the protective factors for Cot death / Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Breastfeeding
Room sharing (NOT bed sharing)
Use of pacifiers/dummies
what investigations are done for Cot death / Sudden Infant Death Syndrome post-mortem
Urine sample for culture
Urine chemistry
Blood culture
Serum chemistry (acylcarnitine profile, and serum ammonia and amino acid concentrations)
CSF culture
Skeletal radiographs
Muscle biopsy
