Evaluating accuracy of the SIDS diagnosis process: Results from the Mississippi SIDS/SUIDS coroner survey

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of the SIDS diagnosis process in Mississippi Background: According to the Mississippi Code of 1972, the qualifications for county coroner include high school diploma or equivalent, age 21 or older, and valid voter registration. No prior medical education or experience is required. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a sudden infant death remaining unexplained after thorough postmortem examination, death scene investigation, and medical history review. Given the limited educational requirements for coroners, it is theorized that some of the excessive number of SIDS events recorded annually in Mississippi, may be erroneous, skewing the accuracy of infant mortality data and causalities of infant death. Methods: The SIDS/SUIDS coroner survey was developed incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data questions relevant to the SIDS diagnosis process. Eighty-two surveys were submitted in two separate mailings between August and October 2006. Forty-nine (60%) were returned completed. Conclusions: Surveys were received and analyzed providing an excellent overview of how well Mississippi coroners understand the requirements for accurate diagnosis of SIDS/SUIDS and how well they comply with those requirements. Examples of findings include 67% of coroners reporting that autopsy records take longer than 60 days to receive. Ninety-two percent of coroners reported difficulty in getting medical records. A summary of findings, both quantitative and qualitative in nature, will be disseminated during the presentation. Public Health Implications: Overstated SIDS rates could result in misappropriation of resources and educational activities, diverting resources away from the true causes associated with Mississippi infant mortality.