Sudden natural death in childhood. A review of forensic autopsy protocols in cases of sudden death between the ages of one and five years, 1982-1991, with a special view to sudden unexplained death.
All cases of sudden death of individuals between the ages of one and five years examined at the Forensic Institute, Copenhagen, in a 10-year period were identified to assess the impact of sudden unexplained death in this age group. Of a total of 68 cases, 27 cases were due to accidents, there were 13 cases of homicide, 27 cases were sudden natural deaths and in 1 case the manner of death was uncertain. The autopsy records and histological sections in the 27 cases of natural death were reviewed; the cause of death was not explained in 11 of these cases (40%). Seven cases were previously considered to be caused by infectious disease or aspiration. Criteria for classification are discussed.
Helweg-Larsen
K
K
University Institute of Forensic Pathology, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Garde
E
E
D000059:Accidents; D017677:Age Distribution; D001344:Autopsy; D002423:Cause of Death; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006708:Homicide; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000145:classification* / Q000209:etiology