SUDDEN NATURAL DEATH IN CHILDHOOD - A REVIEW OF FORENSIC AUTOPSY PROTOCOLS IN CASES OF SUDDEN-DEATH BETWEEN THE AGES OF ONE AND 5 YEARS, 1982-1991, WITH A SPECIAL VIEW TO SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED DEATH

All cases of sudden death of individuals between the ages of one and five years examined at the Forensic Institute, Copenhagen, in a 10-year period were identified to assess the impact of sudden unexplained death in this age group. Of a total of 68 cases, 27 cases were due to accidents, there were 13 cases of homicide, 27 cases were sudden natural deaths and in 1 case the manner of death was uncertain. The autopsy records and histological sections in the 27 cases of natural death were reviewed; the cause of death was not explained in 11 of these cases (40%). Seven cases were previously considered to be caused by infectious disease or aspiration. Criteria for classification are discussed.