Autopsy findings of co-sleeping-associated sudden unexpected deaths in infancy: relationship between pathological features and asphyxial mode of death.

Aim: Co-sleeping is associated with increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)/sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The aim of this study is to examine autopsy findings from a single U.K.

Staphylococcal toxins in sudden unexpected death in infancy: experience from a single specialist centre.

Around two thirds of sudden unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI) remain unexplained following post-mortem examination. It has been postulated that a subset of unexplained SUDI may be caused by toxigenic Staphylococcus aureus. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of toxigenic S aureus strains in unexplained and explained SUDI (those in whom a cause of death is determined at autopsy).

Sudden unexpected neonatal death in the first week of life: autopsy findings from a specialist centre.

Objective: Sudden unexpected early neonatal death (SUEND) in the first week of life shares features with sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) but is not included as SUDI, which is limited to post-perinatal deaths. The aim of this study was to review SUEND autopsies performed in a single specialist centre over a 10-year period, (1996-2005).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of >1500 consecutively performed paediatric autopsies performed by paediatric pathologists at one centre conducted according to a standard protocol including ancillary investigations.

Rib fractures identified at post-mortem examination in sudden unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI).

Rib fractures may be associated with non-accidental injury (NAI) in infancy, but the possible significance of fresh rib fractures in relation to resuscitation remains undetermined. Consequently, it is important to detect and confirm the presence of rib fractures when performing a post-mortem examination, particularly in the context of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). At our centre, it has been local policy to perform routine radiological skeletal surveys and detailed post-mortem examination of the ribs in all SUDI autopsies.