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National Post-Perinatal Infant Mortality and Cot Death Study, Scotland 1981-82
Insights
Post-perinatal infant mortality (PPIM) in Scotland from 1981-1982 revealed that cot deaths were the leading cause. Of 763 PPIM deaths, 369 were sudden infant deaths, with 167 unexplained.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Post-perinatal infant mortality (PPIM) remains a significant concern in public health.
- Understanding the causes of infant deaths beyond the neonatal period is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the causes and rates of post-perinatal infant mortality in Scotland.
- To investigate the specific category of sudden infant deaths (cot deaths) and their potential explanations.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of all infant deaths aged 8-365 days in Scotland during 1981-1982.
- Categorization of deaths into birth-determined, accident/acquired disease, and cot deaths.
- Detailed analysis of cot deaths, including necropsy findings.
Main Results:
- A total of 763 PPIM deaths occurred, with a rate of 5.6 per 1000 live births.
- Cot deaths constituted the largest category (369 deaths), with a rate of 2.7 per 1000 live births.
- 167 cot deaths (approximately 45% of cot deaths) remained unexplained even after necropsy.
Conclusions:
- Sudden infant deaths (cot deaths) were the primary driver of post-perinatal mortality in Scotland during the study period.
- A significant proportion of cot deaths lacked clear explanations, highlighting the need for further research.
- The study identified demographic patterns, such as higher rates in boys and second-born infants.
Abstract:
Throughout 1981 and 1982 all deaths of infants aged 8-365 days (post-perinatal infant mortality, PPIM) in Scotland were studied. During this period there were 135 250 live births and 1533 infant deaths (infant mortality rate 11.3), including 763 PPIM deaths (5.6 per 1000 live births). These 763 deaths fell into three main categories: birth-determined (329), accident or acquired disease (65), and cot deaths (369). Birth-determined deaths included 109 preterm, 199 congenital disorders, and 21 miscellaneous deaths. 61 of the cot deaths were fully explained on necropsy, in 141 an associated finding which might or might not be relevant was found, and in the remaining 167 no explanation was found. The cot death rate was 2.7 per 1000 live births overall (3.3 for boys, 2.1 for girls), and more second-born than first-born children died (approximately 3:2). Excluding "explained" cot deaths the rate was 2.3 per 1000 live births.
