QT-syndrome and sudden infant death

Background: Intensive epidemiologic and pathophysiologic research during the past 30 years successfully contributed to a better understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of cot death (Sudden Infant Death, SID). However, several differential diagnoses with probable consequences for siblings should be taken into consideration,even ifa thorough postmortem examination failed to reveal an adequate cause of death. Most important are cardiac arrythmias, especially the syndrome of QT - prolongation (Romano-Ward-syndrome). The poor prognosis may be improved by prophylactic therapy with beta-blocking agents. Case: We report on two cases of prolonged QT-interval and Sudden Infant Death revealing the outstanding importance of a careful clinical observation of bereaved families, especially during subsequent pregnancies.