title: [Sudden newborn infant death in maternity. Anatomo-clinical study of 31 cases].
abstract: METHODS
  All cases of sudden and unexpected death occurring in maternity were studied over a period of 6 years (1985-1991). Anamnestic data, results of clinical examination of the body and findings of bacterial screening of body fluids or tissues were collected. The results at necropsy were also collected following the protocol used, with parental consent, in all cases of sudden infant death syndrome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 31 cases of sudden and unexpected death. Of these, 48% occurred before the 24th hour of life, 68% before the 36th hour and 84% before the 72nd hour. The majority of death occurred at night (55% between midnight and 6 AM, 90% between 9 PM and 9 AM). Analysis of the data provided a precise cause of death in 25 cases (81%), and a probable cause in 4 cases (13%). The major causes were perinatal anoxia, generally associated with massive amniotic inhalation (16 cases), and maternal-fetal infection (9 cases). No cause was found in 2 cases. Despite the fact that the death occurred unexpectedly, half of the newborns showed warning signs, some hours before the event. These signs were either not detected or ignored.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The incidence of sudden death in neonates is 0.15 to 0.36/1,000 live births. Its causes are generally correlated with common neonatal diseases. Its occurrence at night and the existence of warning signs raise questions concerning the care of neonates in maternity.
authors: Service de Pédiatrie et Réanimation Néonatales, Centre de Référence Mort Subite du Nourrisson, Hôpital Antonie-Béclère, Clamart.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Dehan
authors: M C
authors: MC
authors: Imbert
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Benisvy
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Roset
authors: J P
authors: JP
authors: Gautier
authors: J F
authors: JF
authors: Magny
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Zupan
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Debillon
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Vial
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Briand
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid; D005260:Female; D005311:Fetal Hypoxia / Q000150:complications; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*
vernacular_title: Mort subite du nouveau-né en maternité. Etude anatomo-clinique de 31 cas.