SUDDEN UNEXPECTED INFANT DEATHS INVESTIGATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST REQUIRING FURTHER ACTION

Abstract

Unlike Western countries, little information available about the impact of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) in the Middle East (ME) countries where high risk factors are very common. A structured literature review was performed to explore Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) incidence across various ME countries, and shied lights on challenges associated with SUID investigation. The study found that data available on SUID in ME is extremely limited, however, it appears that SUID is a significant problem, could be a leading cause of mortality among infants in ME. Alarming data that sudden infant death rates could be higher than it reported. For a range of reasons, many infant deaths are registered as 'cause unknown', with no associated autopsy report or other details. Barriers to SUID reporting are linked to the regions’ political systems, culture, and religion. Further action is extremely recommended to investigate cases of unexpected infant deaths.