Below is a release on a study appearing in the September issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

For Release: Monday, August 10, 2009, 12:01 am (ET)

CHEST TRAUMA DEATHS IN COMPETITIVE LACROSSE

Sudden deaths due to chest trauma are more common in competitive lacrosse than in other sports, except hockey, according to the study, “Commotio Cordis and the Epidemiology of Sudden Death in Competitive Lacrosse.” Researchers analyzed data from the Sudden Death in Young Athletes Registry, 1980-2008, to determine if there was a clinical profile of those deaths and how many were attributed to commotio cordis (cardiac arrest due to chest trauma) while playing lacrosse. During the 28-year study period, 23 sudden deaths or cardiac arrests were identified in male high school and college lacrosse participants. Ten died after receiving blunt chest blows, including four goalies wearing chest protectors. Twelve other students collapsed because of pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The mortality rate associated with competitive lacrosse was 1.46 deaths per 100,000 person-years, and did not differ significantly from other sports, including basketball, baseball and football. However, commotio cordis events were disproportionately more common in lacrosse than in other sports, except hockey. The authors suggest that more effective chest protectors be developed, and prevention of commotio cordis should continue to be a focus of public education.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.