Infection is associated with one in five childhood deaths in England and Wales: analysis of national death registrations data, 2013-15

ObjectiveTo estimate the contribution of infections to childhood deaths in England and Wales over a 3-year period.DesignRetrospective analysis of national electronic death registration data.SettingEngland and Wales.PatientsChildren aged 28 days to 15 years who died during 2013–15.Main outcome measuresThe proportion of children who died of infection compared with total deaths over 3 years; the main pathogens responsible for infection-related deaths in different age groups; comparison with similar data from 2003 to 2005.ResultsThere were 5088 death registrations recorded in children aged 28 days to ConclusionsBeyond the neonatal period, all-cause and infection-related childhood mortality rates have declined by 26% and 31%, respectively, over the past decade. However, infection continues to contribute to one in five childhood deaths.