Sudden unexpected death in children: myth or reality?

Purpose of review Despite many years of study, sudden unexplained death remains a tenuous diagnosis of exclusion. Here, we discuss the current science behind the uncertainties of sudden death, as well as the questions that still remain. Recent findings Failure in any part of the complex interplay between peripheral sensors and central cardiorespiratory regulation can result in sudden death. Diagnostic testing with electrocardiograms, electroencephalogram, sleep studies, or even genetic studies have increased our ability to identify patients at the highest risk. Advances in the understanding of sudden unexplained death in children may show common pathways leading to sudden death from multiple different diseases. Although rare, the devastating implication prioritizes the importance in educating patients about how to live with the risk of sudden death.

Automated summary

Despite many years of study, sudden unexplained death is still a diagnosis of exclusion. Failure in the complex interplay between peripheral sensors and central cardiorespiratory regulation may result in sudden death. Recent studies emphasize the importance of diagnostic testing in identifying high-risk patients and suggest common pathways in sudden unexplained death in children.