| Literature DB >> 30430032 |
Laura Jane Heathfield1,2, Lorna Jean Martin1, Raj Ramesar2.
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death is an upsetting event, which can remain unexplained even after post-mortem investigation. Internationally, molecular autopsies have shown to resolve up to 44% of unexplained cases; however, it is currently unclear how many of these were infants. This systematic literature review showed that significantly fewer infant cases were resolved (median: 4%) compared with cohorts of 1 to 45 years old (median: 32%). Further, no study involving indigenous African participants has yet been published. Overall, molecular autopsies hold immense value to living family members and is motivation to explore new avenues in infant cohorts.Entities:
Keywords: medico-legal investigation; negative autopsy; sudden infant death syndrome
Year: 2018 PMID: 30430032 PMCID: PMC6234044 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1668079
Source DB: PubMed Journal: J Pediatr Genet ISSN: 2146-460X