Article

The problem of sudden death in the young is currently debated and
measures for prevention are being evaluated worldwide. Information on the
incidence and causes of sudden (cardiac) death in the young (1-40 years) is
essential for the development of these preventive strategies. METHODS: Incidence
estimates and causes of death were determined using death certificate data of
out-of-hospital sudden deaths recorded by Statistics Netherlands from 1996 to
2006. To define sudden death, International Classification of Diseases codes were
selected based on a systematic review of the literature assessing the most common
causes of sudden death in the young. RESULTS: The incidence of sudden death was
2.07 (2.06-2.07 per 100 000 person-years). The incidence was higher for men (2.86
per 100 000 person-years) than for women (1.24 per 100 000 person-years) and
increased by age. The majority of sudden deaths was of cardiac origin. Sudden
cardiac death incidence was 1.62 (1.61-1.62 per 100 000 person-years). In 9% the
cause of death remained unexplained. CONCLUSION: The incidence of sudden death in
the young is 2.07 per 100 000 person-years. Treatable cardiac causes (such as
coronary atherosclerosis and inherited cardiac diseases) are often underlying for
the sudden death. This information is helpful in the development of preventive
strategies.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI