Randall et al developed a classification schema for sudden unexpected infant death. This can help to categorize these cases. The authors are from the University of South Dakota, University of Stellenbosch (South Africa), University of North Dakota and Harvard Medical School.
Patient selection: sudden, unexpected death of an infant (< 12 months of age)
Parameters:
(1) explanation for death found
(2) possible explanation
Explanation Found
Possible Explanation
Category
yes
NA
E
no
possible asphyxia
B
no
some other possible cause
C
no
neither
A (SIDS)
no
not investigated
D
Features of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):
(1) unexpected
(2) unexplained after a complete autopsy
(3) unexplained after a careful death scene investigation
(4) unexplained after a complete review of the infant's medical record
(5) asphyxia unlikely
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