Sudden unexpected death in infancy: Stakeholder report – audit 2015-2018
Document Type
Reports
Summary
A sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) is deemed to have occurred where there is no known pre-existing condition which would make the death predictable. All infant deaths which happen suddenly, and for which there is no apparent reason, are unexpected. From the outset, all such causes are unknown (or unascertained). They are therefore defined as SUDIs until more information is available.
SUDIs account for the largest number of infant deaths in those aged 2-6 months. There is a reduction in incidence beyond 12 months. There are only a few cases per year in Scotland between 12 and 24 months.
This report covers SUDIs that occurred during 2015-2018. Due to the small number of SUDI each year, data is collected from a period of 3-4 years. This data is analysed and summarised into one report. This ensures it is not patient identifiable. Because of the length of time it takes to complete the SUDI review process we were unable to begin analysis of the data until 2021. Some information was still outstanding in 2022.