Infant Journal
Browse articlesWhen should a neonatal death be referred to the coroner? Initiation of a guideline to aid decision making
Despite improved survival, particularly for extremely preterm infants, sadly some neonates die. When this happens, it may be appropriate to refer the death to the coroner, however, there is huge variation in practice between settings regarding the coroner referral process. After a particular case concerning several hospitals, we reviewed available evidence and produced a guideline to aid this process, involving both neonatologists and our coroner’s office, and including parental concerns. This has enabled a systematic, transparent approach that is equal for all infants.
Narendra AladangadyFRCPCH, PhD
Consultant Neonatologist and Honorary Clinical Professor in Child Health, Neonatal Unit, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, and Queen Mary University of London
n.aladangady@nhs.net
Philippa Chisholm
FRCPCH
Consultant Neonatologist, Neonatal Unit, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London
The full text of this article is available to subscribers in text, and in Tablet/iPad format and as a PDF file.
Please subscribe and log in to see the full article.
- Geroderma osteodysplasticum, cutis laxa and wrinkly skin syndrome are rare conditions that may be confused with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes.
- Defining the disease phenotype for these disorders is challenging because of overlapping presentations and clinical course.
- Careful clinical examination and genetic evaluation are important in differentiating rare conditions with similar clinical features.
