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Unexplained death due to possible infectious diseases in infants-United States, 2006

Christopher A Taylor1, Robert C Holman, Laura S Callinan

  • 1Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Applied Sciences, Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office, Office of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. CATaylor1@cdc.gov

The Journal of Pediatrics
|July 28, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Unexplained death due to possible infectious causes (UDPIC) disproportionately affects minority infants. Factors like race, ethnicity, and birth weight are associated with UDPIC, necessitating further research into infectious disease roles.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Unexplained death due to possible infectious causes (UDPIC) in infants represents a significant portion of infant mortality.
  • Identifying contributing factors is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify and examine factors associated with UDPIC in infants.
  • To analyze the relationship between these factors and infant outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study design was employed using the 2006 US Linked Birth and Infant Death data set.
  • Infant deaths classified as UDPIC were compared with control groups of surviving and non-surviving infants.
  • Multivariate logistic regression models, stratified by birth weight, were utilized.

Main Results:

  • In 2006, 3570 infant deaths (12.5%) were classified as UDPIC.
  • Black and American Indian/Alaska Native infants exhibited the highest rates of UDPIC.
  • Infants born to black mothers had a higher likelihood of UDPIC, with birth weight acting as a significant effect modifier.

Conclusions:

  • Race, marital status, Hispanic ethnicity, and maternal age are potential contributors to UDPIC classification.
  • Infant birth weight may influence decisions regarding postmortem examinations.
  • Further research is required to elucidate the role of infectious diseases in UDPIC.
Abstract

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