SUDI

Question 1

When does a SUDI become SIDS?

Answer 1

An unexplained SUDI is termed SIDS, if no pathological basis for death can be found

Question 2

What is the incidence of SUDI?

Answer 2

1:1,000 to 1:4,000 live births

Question 3

In what age group does SUDI account for the largest number of infant deaths (UK)?

Answer 3

2-6 months

Question 4

What is the triple risk model for SUDI between 2-4 months of age?

Answer 4

Critical development period
Vulnerable infant; preterm birth or maternal smoking
Exogenous stress; prone position, overheating, head covering, co-sleeping, infection

Question 5

What are risk factors intrinsic to the child that will predispose them to SUDI/ SIDS?

Answer 5

Acute illness (URTI/ otitis media) with symptoms present but not significant as a cause of death 
Preterm birth before 37 weeks 
Congenital anomaly NOT causing death 
Multiple birth 
Previous unexplained infant death 
SGA 
Male infant 
Prenatal exposures to cigarettes and/or alcohol

Question 6

What are extrinsic risk factors for SIDS/ SUDI?

Answer 6

Symptomatic depression in mother
Alcohol use by mother > 2 units in last 24 hrs
Substance misuse by parent
Poor housing or overcrowding
Domestic violence
Co-sleeping
Sleeping on pillow or another soft surface
Sleeping prone or side = ALWAYS PUT BABIES TO SLEEP ON BACK
Overheating - don’t swaddle babies

Question 7

Who are all SUDI deaths reported to?

Answer 7

Police

Procurator fiscal = mandatory post mortem and autopsy

Question 8

What are cause SUDI?

Answer 8

Infections; pneumonia, sepsis, bronchiolitis, gastroenteritis, myocarditis, meningitis 
Congenital malformations 
Natural deaths 
Accidents 
NAI

Question 9

What are the components of a post mortem post SUDI?

Answer 9

Macroscopic examination 
Histology 
Microbiology 
Toxicology 
Clinical history