Detection of sudden death syndromes in New Zealand
Nikki Earle, Jackie Crawford, Kate Gibson, Donald Love, Ian Hayes, Katherine Neas, Martin Stiles, Mandy Graham, Tom Donoghue, Andrew Aitken, Jon Skinner
Sudden unexpected cardiac death in young people (aged 1-40) occurs at a rate of over 100 people per year in New Zealand. To date, we know that about one-third have a familial cause, and death can be prevented in these people, but they must first be detected in the community. This study shows that by screening family members of people who carry such a condition, with blood tests and heart tests, it is possible to detect large numbers of people at risk and offer them protection. It also shows that this is being done much better in the North Island than the South Island, because the South Island does not have anyone to coordinate the service and keep records. The authors argue that there is a pressing need for a South Island coordinator to address this inequity of service.