Regional Infant and Child Mortality Review Committee--2011 final report

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The Regional Infant and Child Mortality Review Committee (RICMRC) has reviewed infant and child deaths since 1997.
• The committee's mission is to transform information from reviewed deaths into actionable strategies for protecting young lives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the findings of the 2011 annual report of the RICMRC.
• To analyze the causes and circumstances surrounding infant and child deaths in specific South Dakota counties.

Main Methods:

• Review of 21 infant and child deaths from Minnehaha, Turner, Lincoln, Hanson, and Brookings counties in South Dakota for 2011.
• Categorization of deaths by manner (natural, accidental, undecided) and underlying causes.

Main Results:

• Of the 21 deaths reviewed, 12 were natural, with eight linked to progressive neurological diseases.
• No deaths were attributed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); however, two sleep-related infant deaths occurred, one accidental (aspiration) and one in an unsafe environment.
• Six deaths were accidental, including a fire incident without smoke alarms, a motor vehicle death, and a drowning incident.
• One youth suicide was also reviewed.

Conclusions:

• Infant and child mortality in the region in 2011 was primarily due to natural causes, particularly neurological conditions.
• Accidental deaths highlight the need for continued focus on environmental safety, including fire prevention and safe sleep practices.
• The review process provides crucial data for targeted interventions to prevent future infant and child deaths.