Sudden nontraumatic death in adolescence. Deaths at school

Sudden and unexpected nontraumatic death of adolescents in a school setting was studied in a defined population. All deaths of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, residents between 12 and 21 years of age for a nine-year period were reviewed. One hundred twenty-four sudden, nontraumatic events were identified. Fourteen events (11.3%) were school related, of which seven were associated with physical exertion. Of the four events occurring during organized school sports, no subject had a condition that would have been easily detectable by preathletic screening. Further evaluation of preventive measures, such as identification and treatment of individuals at high risk for sudden death, and improved cardiopulmonary resuscitation by trained personnel, is recommended.