Sudden death in sports. 2018-2020. Argentine Registry

FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Type of funding sources: None. INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of Sudden Death in Sports (SDS) is low in relation to other forms of death in the general population. There is little current data about this problem in Argentina. OBJECTIVES: Obtain information about the characteristics of these events in order to recommend effective prevention measures. METHODS: A specific mailbox was created to receive SDS case reports. The study was presented in academic, health and social media institutions. The information received was analyzed and investigated with direct contact with professionals or people related to the event. RESULTS: From January 2018 to February 2020, 26 months, 35 cases of SDS were surveyed. 89% of the male sex pts, 68% over 35 years. SDS occurred mainly in: Football, 11 pts, Gymnastics, 10 pts and marathon 9 pts. 68% of the athletes were amateurs and 52% during high performance practices. Assistance received: 29 athletes received assistance, 19 pts Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and 10 pts advanced CPR with automatic or manual defibrillation in 9 cases. Of the 21 pts that were transferred, 9 pts entered and 8 exited alive. The survival rate was 23% and all graduated in functional class I. A forensic autopsy was performed in only 8 cases. Associated pathologies: 8 pts with coronary heart disease, 7 pts dilated cardiomyopathy, 3 pts, unspecified heart disease, 1 pt with toxic medication, 1 pt died from commotio cordis and 15 pts without diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The number of reported cases of SDS was low, with an approximate incidence of 0.25% / 100,000.hab / year, 1 to 2 cases per month. SDS episodes occurred mainly in football, gymnasia and marathon, with an adequate level of on-site assistance and greater use of defibrillation therapy compared to previous reports. High mortality persists (77%). The use of autopsy is low showing cardiomyopathy or unknown origin in young people and coronary disease in adults [Figure: see text] [Figure: see text]