Kairys SW, Alexander RC, Block RW, Everett VD, Hymel KP, Johnson CF, Kanda MB, Malinkovich P, Bell WC, Cora-Bramble D, DuPlessis HM, Handal GA, Holmberg RE, Lavin A, Tayloe DT Jr, Varrasso DA, and Wood DL
Although there is a continuing need for timely review of child deaths, no uniform system exists for investigation in the United States. Investigation of a death that is traumatic, unexpected, obscure, suspicious, or otherwise unexplained in a child younger than 18 years requires a scene investigation and an autopsy. Review of these deaths requires the participation of pediatricians and other professionals, usually as a child death review team. An appropriately constituted team should evaluate the death investigation process, review difficult cases, and compile child death statistics.