Sidebotham, Peter, Bajanowski, Thomas, Keens, Tom, Kenner, Thomas, Kerbl, Reinhold, Kurz, Ronald, Mitchell, Ed A., Moon, Rachel, Taylor, Barry, Vennemann, Mechtild, Young, Jeanine and Zotter, Heinz. (2010) Proposal for an international classification of SUDI : a response to Blair, Byard and Fleming. Scandinavian Journal of Forensic Science, Vol.16 (No.1). pp. 9-11. ISSN 1503-9552

Abstract

In 2009, Blair, Byard and Fleming, drawing on discussions between SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) researchers and practitioners, proposed an international classification scheme for SUDI (sudden unexpected death in infancy) (Blair et al., 2009). as indicated in their proposal, the term SUDI incorporates a range of causes of death, both apparent and hidden. Whilst the proportion of SUDI for which a cause is found has risen, at least 50% remain unexplained in all published studies. Blair, Byard and Fleming point outthat, although an internationally agreed definition of SIDS exists, use of the term is inconsistent, and both practitioners and researchers often resort to alternative labels for those deaths that remain unexplained. Furthermore, approaches to the investigation of SUDI vary both between and within countries. These inconsistencies complicate research in the field, and potentially hamper our search for understanding of these deaths. Nevertheless they are a reality which will not go away.

Request changes to a record

Actions (login required)

View Item