Child deaths of unknown cause: review of 7 years' experience.
Using data from the Pima County (Arizona) Child Fatality Review Team, we sought to describe the nature of unknown cause pediatric deaths. Of 1,150 total deaths (1995-2001), 22 were unknown cause and 3 had only a mode of death on the death certificate. There were 15 infants <6 months, 4 children 1-4 years, 2 children 5-9 years, 1 preteen (10-14 years), and 3 aged 15-17 years. Four patterns were seen: those resembling SIDS but with confounding history, autopsy, or scene investigation; sleeping toddlers with respiratory symptoms; children with underlying conditions not expected to cause death; and deaths without complete investigation.
Bowen
Kathryn A
KA
Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Blvd., PO Box 245073, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
Marshall
William N
WN
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001130:Arizona; D002423:Cause of Death; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003645:Death, Sudden; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant