FIFA Sudden Death Registry (FIFA-SDR): a prospective, observational study of sudden death in worldwide football from 2014 to 2018

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the underlying causes and regional patterns of sudden death in football (soccer) players worldwide to inform and improve existing screening and prevention measures.MethodsFrom 2014 to 2018 cases of sudden cardiac death (SCD), survived sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and traumatic sudden death were recorded by media monitoring (Meltwater), a confidential web-based data platform and data synchronisation with existing national Sudden Death Registries (n=16). Inclusion criteria were met when sudden death occurred during football-specific activity or up to 1 hour afterwards. Death during other activities was excluded.ResultsA total of 617 players (mean age 34±16 years, 96% men) with sudden death were reported from 67 countries; 142 players (23%) survived. A diagnosis by autopsy or definite medical reports was established in 211 cases (34%). The leading cause in players >35 years was coronary artery disease (76%) and in players ≤35 years was sudden unexplained death (SUD, 22%). In players ≤35 years the leading cause of SCD varied by region: cardiomyopathy in South America (42%), coronary artery anomaly in North America (33%) and SUD in Europe (26%). Traumatic sudden death including commotio cordis occurred infrequently (6%). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) resulted in a survival rate of 85% with the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) compared with 35% without.ConclusionsRegional variation in SCD aetiology should be verified by expansion of national registries and uniform autopsy protocols. Immediate access to an AED at training and competition sites, as well as CPR training for players, coaches and staff members, is needed to improve survival from SCA.

No increased injury incidence in the German Bundesliga after the SARS-CoV-2 virus lockdown

“…The last pre-lockdown match of the 2019–2020 Bundesliga season took place on 11th March 2020. The season was restarted after 66 days and successfully finished within 42 days [ 24 ]. The interruption due to the coronavirus lockdown represented a psychologically and physiologically unique situation for the players.…”

“…These hygiene standards—which are available online—mainly consist of a code of behaviour for players and staff, including social distancing, home quarantine, frequent PCR SARS-CoV-2 testing, frequent use of disinfectant and the consequent use of facial masks when not participating in sporting activities [ 17 ]. After permission from the German government, regular football training was possible again for the entire team from early May 2020 onwards [ 24 ].…”

Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes: From the Basics to the Practical Work-Up

“…A recently published registry gathered SCD data from soccer matches (2014 to 2018 period). Of the 617 SCDs reported, seven were confirmed to be due to commotio cordis, and another seven were very likely to be as well [40].…”

Cardiac arrest during broadcasted football match: The drama and the opportunity

“…6 This may provide a powerful message that could be used by basic life support instructors, organizations and the media to inform the public and reinforce the chain of survival message, with the aim to improve the current poor survival from sudden cardiac death in football, around 23% as reported by the FIFA. 2 The case of the Danish football player is a fortunate example of the good outcomes of a quick and effective CPR. However, players in non-professional environments may not be as "fortunate", as they might not count on the same material and human resources to be cared for a CA.…”

“…Thus, this example should serve to promote awareness and training of the target first responders during amateur football competitions and training sessions, those being mainly the coaches, referees, teammates, and technical staff. 2 We encourage the ERC to develop new actions in order to take advantage of this real life drama and convert it in a successful opportunity.…”