Investigation and review of unexpected infant and child deaths

Although there is a continuing need for timely review of child deaths, no u niform system exists for investigation in the United States. Investigation of a death that is traumatic, unexpected, obscure, suspicious, or otherwise unexplained in a child younger than 18 years requires a scene investigatio n and an autopsy. Review of these deaths requires the participation of pedi atricians and other professionals, usually as a child death review team. An appropriately constituted team should evaluate the death investigation pro cess, review difficult cases, and compile child death statistics.