Sudden infant death in Southampton and an evaluation of the Sheffield scoring system

The cases of sudden infant death occurring in Southampton over the period 1 July 1975 to 31 December 1979 are reviewed with respect to “risk” factors identified in other studies. A retrospective case control study of 49 of these deaths and 98 controls was undertaken to evaluate the Sheffield scoring system. The study suggested that the Sheffield score might usefully be used prospectively in Southampton with only minor modification.