Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) refers to the unexpected, unexplained death of a child less than one year of age. Most occurrences happen between two and four months.

Causes

Experts do not know why some infants suddenly die. Research continues in hope f finding a preventable cause. Many theories exist. Several things may contribute to or trigger the death. Possible factors include:
  • Abnormalities in a section of the brain that controls breathing during sleep and waking
  • Nervous system abnormalities
  • Arrhythmias
  • Lack of oxygen and nutrients during development
  • Lack of oxygen after birth
  • Taking in too much carbon dioxide or re-breathing exhaled air
  • Overheating
  • An infection that interferes with breathing
  • Excess proteins produced by the immune system
  • Deficiency in a compound that helps process fatty acids, which can lead to breathing and heart problems

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Infants age: less than 4 months old
  • Mothers age: younger than 20 during first pregnancy
  • Race: black and Native American
  • Sex: male
  • Poverty
  • Babies who sleep on their stomachs
  • Smoking during pregnancy
  • Opiate or cocaine use during pregnancy
  • Second-hand smoke
  • History of anemia or a urinary tract infection while pregnant
  • No or late prenatal care
  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Recent infection and/or fever
  • Cold weather in late fall or winter
  • History of SIDS death in a sibling
  • Previous incident of severe apnea, requiring resuscitation

Symptoms

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.

Diagnosis

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:
  • Autopsy
  • Assessment of the death scene
  • Review of the babys and familys medical histories

Treatment

Emergency medical personnel should be called as soon as the infant is discovered not breathing. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be started immediately. Seek medical care if a baby turns blue or is limp, even if he or she starts breathing again. The cause of the incident should be evaluated. Families may need grief counseling after the death. Some parents find support groups helpful.

Prevention

There is no way to predict which infants will die of SIDS. Several actions may help you lower the risk of SIDS:
During pregnancy:
  • Get prenatal care early and regularly.
  • Do not smoke or use drugs while pregnant.
After birth:
  • Put the baby down to sleep on his or her back. Ask your doctor for more information about positioning your baby for sleep.
  • Provide a firm crib mattress.
  • Do not place blankets, a comforter, pillow or sheepskin under the baby.
  • Do not let the baby sleep on a waterbed.
  • Remove soft, stuffed toys from the bed.
  • Keep the baby's room at a comfortable temperature.
  • Do not overdress the baby.
  • Do not cover the baby's head or face.
  • Take the baby for regular medical care.
  • Have your child immunized at the recommended times.
  • Buy an electronic monitor for a new baby if you had two or more children die of SIDS or the child has apnea or a history of stopping breathing.
  • Learn CPR.