Manner of death, causes of death and autopsies in infants, children and adolescents

Abstract Child mortality is an issue that repeatedly discussed internationally and subject to strong fluctuations depending on the country region respective levels of development. Several studies child are available from e.g., USA; however, data institutes in Germany still lacking. The present study compared manner causes deaths infants, children adolescents 2002 2012 different (the Institute Legal Medicine Public Health Department, both Cologne, as well nationwide) with international data. Special attention paid autopsy figures cases sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Throughout observation period, decreased overall all Mortality rates were highest first year life, natural (premature birth, malformations, SIDS) dominating. With increasing age number non-natural thus, accident-related deaths, especially transportation accidents, increased. Reasons for reduced can be nationally effective prevention awareness campaigns constantly improving medical care. At a local level, targeted educational work leads higher numbers autopsies, particularly SIDS. In principle, results this generally comparable other mortality, although only used detailed analyses limited extent