March is SUDC Awareness Month
Throughout March, we are supporting SUDC UK to help raise awareness of Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood.
What is SUDC?
- SUDC stands for Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood. This is different to Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood.
- Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood is the sudden and unexpected death of a child between 1 and 18 years of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation is conducted. This must include examination of the death scene, a post-mortem and a review of the child and family’s medical history.
- 1 – 2 seemingly healthy children are dying every fortnight, often going to sleep and never waking up.
- SUDC is most prevalent in toddlers and children in their late teens.
How often does SUDC occur?
- 40 children in the UK die every year without reason (ONS data).
- It is the 4th leading category of death in 1–4-year-olds in England and Wales (ONS data).
- SUDC is one of the most under-recognised medical tragedies of our time, with limited awareness and research.
- The National Child Mortality Database has recently recommended that research into these deaths is prioritised and highlighted an association between SUDC and febrile seizures.
How can you help?
