SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME SIDS 1 FAEMSE Definition

SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS) 1 FAEMSE

Definition - SIDS � the sudden death of an infant, usually under 1 year of age, which remains unexplained after a complete postmortem investigation FAEMSE 2

SIDS Statistics � Leading cause of death in infants 1 month to 1 year old � 95% occur between 1 & 6 months of age - peak period between 2 & 4 months � Common in white � Incidence low in Asia 3

SIDS - What It Is �Sudden & silent in an apparently healthy infant �Unpredictable & unpreventable �Quick death with no signs of suffering - usually during sleep FAEMSE 4

Proposed Causes (External/Internal) Sleep position Temperature Smoke/Narcotics Bedding Immune System Disorders Apnea

General Characteristics of SIDS Usually occurs in colder months � Mothers younger than 20 years old � Babies of mothers who smoke during pregnancy or are exposed to second hand smoke � Premature or low birth weight � Upper respiratory infections, 60% in prior weeks � FAEMSE 6

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Treatment Because SIDS has no known cause and happens randomly there is no treatment available.

Prevention � Lying the infant on its back during sleep � Proper bedding � Controlled environment temperature � Good prenatal care � Avoidance of smoke and narcotics � Monitors � Co-sleeping with parents

Co-Sleeping Co-sleeping is widely believed to be a prevention of SIDS

Thank you…. FAEMSE 11