Virological analysis in the diagnosis of sudden children death: a medico-legal approach.
Forensic Sci Int
; 161(1): 8-14, 2006 Aug 10.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16300916
ABSTRACT
Infections are considered to be an important cause of unexpected death in children. It has also been assumed that respiratory viruses are involved in the genesis of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The Spanish National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences act as the forensic reference centre for Spain. We analyse the experience of this centre in the virological study of 64 cases of sudden children death where viral serology, virological cultures, herpesviruses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electron microscopy were performed. According to pathological findings, death could only be attributed to an adenovirus infection in one amygdalitis with upper airways stenosis and asphyxia. Human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) was detected by PCR in one case with pathological findings characteristic of SIDS. Recent infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were also detected. Meanwhile, 85.9% of the cases yielded negative viral results. Twenty-eight infants were finally categorised as SIDS. Pathological findings of infection were detected in 12 patients despite the negativity of viral analyses. Although viral infection is an uncommon cause of sudden children death, a complete microbiological investigation will help to solve the puzzle of SIDS. Definitive guidelines for microbiological analyses need to be updated whilst new pathogens are discovered or new techniques are implemented in order to clarify unsolved cases.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Infecções por Vírus de RNA
/
Morte Súbita
/
Infecções por Vírus de DNA
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
Limite:
Child, preschool
/
Humans
/
Infant
/
Newborn
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Forensic Sci Int
Ano de publicação:
2006
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Espanha