Sudden Unexplained or Cardiac in Relative Under 40 yrs old.

Sudden Unexplained Death or Cardiac Death in a 1st degree relative aged < 40 years.

The sudden death of a young person within a family is devastating and dependent on the circumstances may have implications for the young person’s siblings, parents or children. It is important that in these circumstances thorough investigations takes place to minimise the risk to other family members and avert further tragedy.

• Establish the relationship of the child to the affected individual is 1st degree.
• If not advise that first-degree relatives should be screened initially (referral to adult services) and screening will be cascaded to children if deemed necessary*
• If possible get information about affected individual; name, DOB, diagnosis, age at death, place of death, other affected family members

Refer to paediatric cardiology and genetic services if;

• Child is over 10 years with 1st degree relative history of Sudden Cardiac Death OR
• If child is over 10 years and the first-degree relative cannot be screened for some reason OR
• If the sudden death occurred in an individual who is < 19 years of age (potentially suggests earlier onset pathology)

Refer initially to genetics only if;

• Child is < 10 years with significant family history of sudden cardiac death OR
• Child is < 10 years and first degree relative cannot be screened for some reason
• Patient will be referred onwards to paediatric cardiology if required by genetics

• If the referral does not contain adequate information about the family history the referral will be rejected.
• Do not refer children if the first-degree relatives have not been screened unless there is a good reason why there is no other option