Kay, Brendan Scott

0y · Male·Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) against a background of sub-glottic stenosis associated with extreme prematurity

Brendan Scott Kay, a 104-day-old ex-premature infant with sub-glottic stenosis from prolonged neonatal intubation, died suddenly in his parents' car during transfer home from Brisbane to Tully. The stenosis had been investigated and deemed clinically insignificant. The cause of death was determined to be Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) against a background of sub-glottic stenosis and extreme prematurity; the mechanism remains unknown. Key clinical lessons include: sub-glottic stenosis is a recognized complication of prolonged intubation in extremely premature infants; improved inter-hospital communication is essential, as significant miscommunication occurred regarding discharge planning (Brisbane assumed direct home discharge, but Townsville expected hospital admission for observation); discharge planning for vulnerable neonates requires explicit consultant-to-consultant communication; post-mortem results should be communicated by trained clinicians, not posted to families; and premature infants with chronic lung disease should travel in daylight with parental observation when possible.