User:Neefer

This is Neefer's User Page. Neefer is clueless about adding an article to Wikipedia, but she would like to add one on Sudden unexplained death in childhood.

Note to self: Can I dedicate a page to the memory of someone?

Similar page: SIDS

References: Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood

Sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) is a syndrome marked by the symptoms of sudden and unexplained death of an apparently healthy child aged one to sixteen years of age.

Overview
SUDC is the sudden and unexpected death of a child over the age of twelve months, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation is conducted.

SUDC is a diagnosis of exclusion. It can only be applied to a child whose death is sudden and unexpected, and remains unexplained after the performance of an adequate postmortem investigation including


 * 1) an autopsy;
 * 2) investigation of the scene and circumstances of the death;
 * 3) exploration of the medical history of the infant and family.

Sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) is rare, with a reported incidence in the United States of 1.3 deaths per 100,000 children, compared to 57 deaths per 100,000 live births for SIDS in 2002. There is very little published in the medical literature about SUDC.

Causes
By definition, the cause of death is unknown. The diagnosis can be made only after thorough review of the medical history of the child and the family, evaluation of the scene where the child was found lifeless, and postmortem examination. This must include microscopic examination of the tissues, toxicology and metabolic analyses. Comprehensive postmortem evaluation may allow identification of known causes of sudden unexpected death in childhood, in which case a diagnosis of SUDC is not made.

Predictability/Preventability
SUDC cannot be predicted. These children appear to be healthy. There is no obvious reason to have any medical examinations or testing done. Health care providers would not know what to look for or if any testing would be appropriate.

SUDC cannot be prevented. The cause is unknown. Hopefully, future research will identify means by which SUDC can be prevented. If and when risk factors are identified, such as the prone sleeping position for SIDS, then one might anticipate reduction in the risk of SUDC. In the meantime, follow optimal pediatric care recommendations, including attending well child visits, maintaining current vaccinations, and obtaining appropriate health care when clinically indicated.