Comparing the SIDS diagnosis process utilized by Mississippi coroners with published guidelines

Purpose: To compare the consistency of Mississippi coroners' practices in identifying SIDS cases with CDC guidelines and Mississippi law. Rising rates of SIDS/SUIDS in Mississippi among both white and non-white populations underscores the need to establish consistency and accuracy in the diagnostic approach utilized by Mississippi coroners. One concern is the inconsistency in qualifications for the position of medical examiner or local coroner.

Methods: Coroners were surveyed about diagnostic protocols and the findings compared to published guidelines. 82 surveys were submitted and 49 were returned completed for a response rate of 60%.

Results: One-third (31%) of coroners report that they sometimes or never perform investigations at the place of infant death. The agency responsible for transferring the infant and the turn-around time for autopsy reports also vary.

Conclusion: This study, though limited in size and scope, demonstrates a clear variation in established SIDS diagnostic protocols among Mississippi coroners. How these variations affect the SIDS rates in Mississippi is not clearly understood and bears further investigation.

Implications for Public Health: Each loss of life mandates careful study and full investigation for, not only the benefit of public health education and prevention practices, but also to facilitate family coping and the grief process. When the true cause of death fails to be identified, opportunities for public health education and prevention are lost. As is often said, history will repeat itself and the cycle of unexplained loss will continue.