Molecular Autopsy Study

Launched by SCRIPPS TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE INSTITUTE · Jun 17, 2014

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Molecular Autopsy Study is a research project aimed at understanding what causes sudden unexplained deaths, particularly focusing on potential heart issues or severe blood clots in the lungs. The goal is to use genetic testing during postmortem examinations to uncover any underlying genetic factors that might have contributed to these unexpected deaths. This study is currently looking for participants, specifically individuals aged from birth up to 45 years who have experienced sudden and unexplained deaths believed to be related to heart problems or significant blood clots.

To be eligible for the study, the deceased person must not have had any known serious health conditions that could explain their sudden death, such as heart disease or other chronic illnesses. Unfortunately, individuals whose deaths were due to accidents, violence, or previously diagnosed heart conditions are not eligible. If you choose to participate, you can expect that researchers will conduct genetic tests as part of the examination process to help shed light on these tragic cases. This study could help improve our understanding of sudden unexplained deaths and potentially lead to better prevention strategies in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Index case age between birth - 45 years
• • Clinical presentation of sudden / unexplained death (believed to be cardiac in nature OR secondary to a massive unprovoked pulmonary embolism with no prior diagnosis of prothrombotic disease)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Premature death secondary to murder, suicide or external causal event
• • Premature death thought secondary to known chronic comorbid medical condition
• • Premature death thought secondary to end-organ failure (kidney, liver, lung) other than heart
• • Previously diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• • Prior myocardial infarction (regardless of stenting or bypass)
• • Prior cerebrovascular accident (stroke or TIA)
• • History of open heart surgery (for any reason)
• • History of severe, untreated hypertensive heart disease
• • History of illicit drug use
• • History of heavy alcohol abuse
• • History of severe pulmonary disease
• • History of morbid obesity