The Institution of a Standardized Investigation Protocol for Sudden Infant Death in the Eastern Metropole,Cape Town,South Africa,, |
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| Authors: | Johan J Dempers MD Jean Coldrey Nat Dip Med Tech Elsie H Burger MD Vonita Thompson MD Shabbir A Wadee MD Hein J Odendaal MD Mary Ann Sens MD PhD Brad B Randall MD Rebecca D Folkerth MD Hannah C Kinney MD the PASS Network |
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| Institution: | 1. Division of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, Department of Pathology and Western Cape Forensic Pathology Health Services, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa;2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa;3. Western Cape Forensic Pathology Service, Cape Town, South Africa;4. Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND;5. Department of Pathology, Sanford University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD;6. Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA;7. Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA |
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| Abstract: | The rate for the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Cape Town, South Africa, is estimated to be among the highest in the world (3.41/1000 live births). In several of these areas, including those of extreme poverty, only sporadic, nonstandardized infant autopsy, and death scene investigation (DSI) occurred. In this report, we detail a feasibility project comprising 18 autopsied infants with sudden and unexpected death whose causes of death were adjudicated according to the 1991 NICHD definitions (SIDS, n = 7; known cause of death, n = 7; and unclassified, n = 4). We instituted a standardized autopsy and infant DSI through a collaborative effort of local forensic pathology officers and clinical providers. The high standard of forensic investigation met international standards, identified preventable disease, and allowed for incorporation of research. We conclude that an effective infant autopsy and DSI protocol can be established in areas with both high sudden unexpected infant death, and elsewhere. (SUID)/SIDS risk and infrastructure challenges. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science infant death scene investigation sudden infant death syndrome bed sharing prematurity infant mortality forensic pathology |
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