Pediatric sudden death

Abstract

Sudden death is often thought of as an adult phenomenon, usually the result of cardiovascular disease. However, sudden death does occur in the pediatric age range and may have a variety of causes. Unfortunately, there are fewer population-based data than optimum on this subject. In this issue of The Journal, Wu et al report on a population-based study of pediatric sudden death in Taiwan. They used a National Health Insurance database, and they found that the incidence of sudden death for individuals age 1-18 years was 2.7 / 100 000 person years. Incidence rates reached a peak in infancy, then declined and reached a nadir at 11-12 years of age, and then gradually increased to reach another peak at age 16-18 years. There was also a male predominance for sudden death. These incidence rates reported in Taiwan are similar to those reported in Western countries, except for infants, in whom the rates in Taiwan were lower. This lower rate may be due to the culture of having infants sleep on their backs in Asian countries. Article page 870▸