The diminishing role of the pathologist in sudden infant death syndrome.

All major definitions of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) specify that a careful pathological examination must be conducted which includes performance of a "complete" autopsy. Unfortunately, there is an increasing trend for cases to be classified as SIDS without fulfilling the required criteria, even including cases where an autopsy has not been performed. Failure to have an experienced pathologist with an understanding of SIDS involved in every step of the investigation and follow-up, with or without subsequent studies, may severely undermine the veracity of the diagnosis and the reliability of subsequent research conclusions.