Evaluating the SIDS diagnosis process utilized by coroners in Mississippi.
To assess the consistency of Mississippi coroners' practices in identifying Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) cases, coroners were surveyed about diagnostic protocols. Findings were compared with published Centers for Disease Control guidelines and Mississippi law. One-third of coroners report they sometimes or never perform investigations at the place of infant death. The agency responsible for transferring the infant and the turn-around time for autopsy reports also varies. This study demonstrates inconsistency in SIDS diagnostic protocols among Mississippi coroners.
Graham
Juanita
J
Health Services Chief Nurse, Mississippi State Department of Health, Jackson, Mississippi 39215-1700, USA. Juanita.Graham@msdh.state.ms.us
Hendrix
Sarah
S
Schwalberg
Renee
R
D001344:Autopsy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003334:Coroners and Medical Examiners / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008922:Mississippi; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires