Uncertainty in classification of repeat sudden unexpected infant deaths 

20 July 2007

Statement from the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths on the paper by C.J. Bacon and E.N. Hey, ‘Uncertainty in classification of repeat sudden unexpected infant deaths in Care of the Next Infant programme’, British Medical Journal, 20 July 2007.


FSID welcomes the paper by Bacon and Hey providing an alternative analysis of the data on repeat infant deaths published by Carpenter et al in 2005(1). The Carpenter paper, like all properly written papers, includes the actual data on which the authors based their analysis of cause of death. The data are there for anyone to extract and re-interpret, and that is what Bacon and Hey have done.

FSID stresses the importance of conducting a comprehensive investigation according to a standard multi-agency protocol whenever a baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly, to learn as much as possible about the factors that contributed to the baby’s death and to minimise any confusion in distinguishing between natural and unnatural death.

FSID has been campaigning for standard multi-agency investigations, with sensitive support to families, since 2000, and legislation coming into force in April 2008 will require local professionals to adopt protocols such as the one FSID has been promoting.

Bacon and Hey recommend a new category of cause of death, “undetermined”, which goes against the recommendations of the 2004 report(2) of the panel of The Royal College of Pathologists and The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health chaired by Baroness Helena Kennedy.

Media enquiries:
Nicola Peckett, Communications Manager, 020 7227 5212 or out of hours 07981 899 827
Stacey Kerr, Communications Officer, 020 7227 5210


References
(1) Repeat sudden unexpected and unexplained infant deaths: natural or unnatural? RG Carpenter, A Waite, RC Coombs, C Daman-Willems, A McKenzie, J Huber, JL Emery, Lancet vol 365 January 1, 2005
(2) Sudden unexpected death in infancy: The report of a working group convened by The Royal College of Pathologists and The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, chaired by The Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, report published September 2004.

Notes to editors:
The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is the UK’s leading baby charity working to prevent sudden deaths and promote infant health. FSID funds research (nearly £10 million to date), supports bereaved families, promotes baby care advice, and works to improve investigations when a baby dies.

FSID runs a Helpline (020 7233 2090) for parents and professionals seeking advice on safe baby care. The Helpline also supports bereaved families.

 

More Press releases »