Obstetric and perinatal histories of children who died unexpectedly (cot death)

Abstract

A study has been carried out on the obstetric state and the perinatal and postnatal history of 135 children who died unexpectedly and in whom necropsy was carried out by a paediatric pathologist. All these children were born in one of the units associated with the Medical School at Sheffield. The next child born in the hospital was similarly studied as a control. A comparison of cases and controls showed 19 features for which the difference between the groups was statistically significant. The most significant new factor found was that of failure of the mother to bring the baby to the first follow-up clinic. The purpose of the study was to draw up criteria for identifying at birth children who may be at increased risk of unexpected death. Such criteria have been determined from the data presented and are being subjected to clinical trial.