Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
TURKIYE KLINIKLERI TIP BILIMLERI DERGISI, cilt.29, sa.5, ss.1178-1182, 2009 (SCI-Expanded)
Objective: To determine the cause of death in sudden unexpected infant deaths (SIDS) is a difficult process for forensic medicine experts. The aim of the study was to review and evaluate findings of SIDS in the 1 week - 1-year age group investigated by the First Specialization Board of the Council of Forensic Medicine. Material and Methods: Sudden death cases in the I week - I-year age group investigated by the First Specialization Board of the Council of Forensic Medicine between years 2000 and 2006 were reviewed and were evaluated for findings of SIDS. The cases were categorized according to demographical data, venue, clinical findings and autopsy findings. Results: In the given period of 7 years, the First Board evaluated 207 cases aged 1 week - 1 year. According to the following criteria, 52 cases were included in the study: Cases found dead by their relatives; cases for which postmortem examination did not reveal the cause of death; and cases with no trauma findings at autopsy. Thirty-four of the cases were male, 18 of the cases were female with a M/F ratio of 1.9/1. 81% of the cases were between I and 6 month-of-age. Forty-six cases were found dead in bed, 4 cases were brought dead to hospital, and 2 cases were found dead on the ground near the bed. In 40 cases, the time of discovery was known, and 21 were found in the morning. Nine cases were found in prone position and 9 cases were sleeping with the mother. Edema was present in the lungs in 37 cases, petechial hemorrhage on the lung surface in 31 cases, food particles or mucoid content were found in larynx and trachea in 9 cases, and mild inflammation of the respiratory track was determined in 9 cases. Conclusion: In conclusion, in addition to macroscopic and histological examination, a protocol should be established including medical history, bacteriology, virology, radiology, frozen section examination of the liver and vitreus fluid examination and should be implemented in sudden unexpected infant deaths to enable the diagnosis of SIDS.