For the first time in England a study has been conducted of official investigations of unexpected infant deaths, reports Medical Xpress.

The research was conducted by academics at the University of Warwick who aimed to develop a detailed understanding of the circumstances of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) cases subject to serious case review.

The team, led by Dr. Joanna Garstang from the Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, found that most SUDI cases occurred in hazardous sleep environments and are potentially preventable. They also found that they occurred in families well known to services with concerns about neglect, substance misuse and poor engagement.