Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

- unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant unde age 1 year for which a thorough autopsy fails to demonstrate an adequate cause of death

- unknown cause that may be related to a brainstem abnormality in the neurological regulation of cardiorespiratory control

- Time of year: Most frequently during winter months

- Time of death: Most frequently from 2 months to 4 months of life

- Sex and Race

1. incidence higher in males
2. incidence higher in Native Americans, African-Americans and Hispanics

- Sleep risk habits

1. prone position
2. use of both bedding
3. overheating (thermal stress)
4. Possibly sleeping with an adult

Appearacnce when found:

- child is apneic, blue and lifeless

- frothy blood-tinged fluid is in the nose and mouth

- child may be found in any position but typically is found in a disheveled bed, with blankets over the head, and huddled in a corner

- child may be clutching bedding

- diaper may be wet and full of stool

Prevention:

- infants should be placed in the supine position for sleep

- soft moldable mattresses and bedding, such as pillows or quilts, should not be used under the infant for bedding

- discourage bed sharing (sleeping with an adult)

avoid overheating during sleep