988 UNCLEAR SUDDEN DEATH IN THE YOUNG: DIFFERENT DISTRIBUTION AMONG THE ITALIAN REGIONS

Abstract Introduction Sudden death (SD) in the young due to cardiovascular diseases remains a focus of public health system. It occurs unexpectedly apparently healthy people. In addition, several that cause sudden can be diagnosed and treated prior first lethal event; on other hands, post mortem approach, by means clinical autopsy molecular autopsy, may clarify underling disease better develop futher prevention familial approach. The attention this issue has greatly sensitized doctors opinion. Aim aim manuscript was evaluate frequency deaths Italy decade 2008-2017. Methods Data sources searches were carried out consulting database National Institute Statistics (ISTAT). We counted ISTAT all deceased under age 40 unclear causes Results 7159 patients with DS, unevenly distributed throughout Italian territory. detail, 10% (1373) North-West, 14% (988) North-East, 13% (934) Center, 44% (3178) South (686) islands. analysis showed how SD have decreased over time. Southern had highest number (357) at start observation which slightly dropped 272 2017. Despite significant reduction, place where largest are counted. Most likely, initial studies conducted Veneto region people athletes, leading wider screening through cardiological examination electrocardiogram for prevention; furthermore widespread recurrence reach clear diagnosis, allows awareness cases could occur same family. Grief coping approach cultural competency explain regional difference. new methods available genetics, such as next generation sequency (NGS), allowed an increase diagnoses even identified possible pathogenic genes family members. Conclusions represents important challenge, considering events our country different distribution regions. Medical community need address issue, implementing both post-mortem analysis, reduce burden, especially southern region. Thiene G. cardiac young: genetic destiny? Clin Med (Lond). 2018 Apr 1;18(Suppl 2):s17-s23. Markwerth P, Bajanowski T, Tzimas I, Dettmeyer R. death-update. Int J Legal Med. 2021 Mar;135(2):483-495.Webster G, Carberry Berger S. Screening what is new? Curr Opin Cardiol. 2020 Jan;35(1):80-86.