Temporal trends and autopsy findings of SUDEP based on medico-legal investigations in the United States

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine time trends and distinguishing autopsy findings of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in the United States.MethodsWe identified decedents where epilepsy/seizure was listed as cause/contributor to death or comorbid condition on the death certificate among all decedents who underwent medico-legal investigation at 3 medical examiner (ME) offices across the country: New York City (2009–2016), San Diego County (2008–2016), and Maryland (2000–2016). After reviewing all available reports, deaths classified as definite/probable/near SUDEP or SUDEP plus were included for analysis. Mann-Kendall trend test was used to analyze temporal trends in SUDEP rate for 2009–2016. Definite SUDEPs were compared to sex- and age ±2 years–matched non-SUDEP deaths with a history of epilepsy regarding autopsy findings, circumstances, and comorbidities.ResultsA total of 1,086 SUDEP cases were identified. There was a decreasing trend in ME-investigated SUDEP incidence between 2009 and 2016 (z = −2.2, S = −42, p = 0.028) among 3 regions. There was a 28% reduction in ME-investigated SUDEP incidence from 2009 to 2012 to 2013–2016 (confidence interval, 17%–38%, p < 0.0001). We found no correlation between SUDEP rates and the month of year or day of week. There was no difference between SUDEP and non-SUDEP deaths regarding neurodevelopmental abnormalities, pulmonary congestion/edema, and myocardial fibrosis.ConclusionsThere was a decreasing monotonic trend in ME-investigated SUDEP incidence over 8 years, with a 28% reduction in incidence from 2009–2012 to 2013–2016. Unlike SIDS and sudden cardiac death, we found no correlation between SUDEP and the season of year or day of week. No autopsy findings distinguished SUDEP from non-SUDEP deaths.