Genetic Testing Study for Sudden Unexplained Death in People Up to 45 Years Old

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to integrate genetic testing into the postmortem examination of sudden unexplained death cases, focusing initially on San Diego County and planning to expand nationally and internationally as funding permits. The study seeks to identify potential inherited causes of sudden death by analyzing genetic data from deceased individuals and their biological family members. The goal is to better understand genetic factors behind sudden death to support future prevention and potentially life-saving interventions. The study involves genetic sequencing and analysis of the index casespeople who died suddenly without a known causeand their parents or other biological relatives if parents are unavailable. Collaborations with local medical examiners, genomic experts, and computational centers help provide detailed genetic insights. The research does not include drug or device interventions but focuses on observational genetic data collection and analysis. Participants provide biological samples for genetic testing and data analysis. Researchers will assess inherited causes of sudden death over a three-year period. The study includes detailed genetic analyses and may involve family history assessments. The involvement of family members helps identify hereditary risks. Participants usual medical care continues unaffected, and the studys findings aim to advance knowledge about sudden death causes over time.

Molecular Autopsy Study