Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) refers to the unexpected, unexplained death of a child less than one year old. SIDS is rare during the first month of life. It peaks at 2 to 4 months of age, then gradually decreases.
Experts do not know why some infants suddenly die. Research hopes to find a preventable cause. Many theories exist. It is likely that research will reveal that among babies who die of SIDS there are several different, but important causes. Some suggested causes include:
Factor is something that increase the chance of SIDS include:
A baby that dies of SIDS typically appears healthy. He or she may have had a cold or gastrointestinal infection in the two weeks prior to death. There usually are no warning signs that a baby is about to die of SIDS.
All possible illnesses and causes of death must be ruled out before a diagnosis of SIDS is made. A complete investigation will take place including:
Emergency medical personnel should be called as soon as the infant is discovered not breathing. Infant CPR should be started immediately. Seek immediate medical care even if the baby starts breathing again. The cause of the incident should be fully evaluated. Families may need grief counseling after the death. Some parents find support groups helpful.
There is no way to predict which infants will die of SIDS. Several actions may help you lower your child's risk of SIDS:
During pregnancy:
After birth:
Make sure anyone else caring for your child is also aware of these recommendations, especially that the baby should be placed on his or her back for sleeping.
RESOURCES:
National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center
http://www.sidscenter.org/
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Alliance
http://www.sidsalliance.org/
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics SIDS Task Force. The changing concept of sudden infant death syndrome: diagnostic coding shifts, controversies regarding the sleeping environment, and new variables to consider in reducing risk. Pediatrics . 2005;116(5):1245-1255.
Galland BC et al. Prone versus supine sleep position: a review of the physiological studies in SIDS research. J Paediatr Child Health . 2002;38(4):332-338.
Hay WW. Current Consult Pediatrics . 17th edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005.
Hunt CE, Hauck FR. Sudden infant death syndrome. CMAJ . 2006;174(13):1861-1869.
Kleigman RM, Jensen HB, Behrman RE, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website. Available at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov .
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Alliance website. Available at: http://www.sidsalliance.org/ .
Last reviewed January 2009 by Kari Kassir, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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