Sudden Death in Young Athletes
Laura Flannery
Manuella Lahoud-Rahme
Sudden Death in Young Competitive Athletes. Clinical, Demographic, and Pathological Profiles
Maron BJ, Shirani J, Poliac LC, et al. JAMA. 1996;276(3):199–204
Background
Sudden death in young athletes is rare but tragic, with an estimated 10 to 25 deaths annually in the US.1 Consequently, there has been debate regarding the effectiveness of efforts to identify at-risk athletes through preparticipation screening. This study sought to add to limited evidence to inform best practices.
Objectives
To develop a clinical, demographic, and pathologic profile of young athletes with sudden death.
Methods
Systematic analysis of case series of sudden deaths of young athletes identified from school reports, news media, and national registries from 1985 to 1995.
Patients
158 individuals ages 12 to 40 years in competitive sports programs who suffered sudden death. Select exclusion criteria: evidence of drug use on postmortem toxicology, inadequate autopsy records.
Intervention
Clinical information and circumstances surrounding sudden death were ascertained through interviews with family members, witnesses, and coaches and through analyses of postmortem anatomic, microscopic, and toxicologic data.
Outcomes
Primary outcomes were characteristics of athletes and probably causes of death.
