Sudden infant death syndrome

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Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected, sudden death of a child under one year old in which an autopsy does not show an explainable cause of death.

Crib death; SIDS

SIDS rates have dropped dramatically since 1992, when parents were first told to put babies to sleep on their backs or sides to reduce the likelihood of SIDS. Unfortunately, SIDS remains a significant cause of death in infants under one year old. Thousands of babies die of SIDS in the U.S. each year.

The cause of SIDS is unknown, although there are several theories. Many doctors and researchers now believe that SIDS is not a single condition that is always caused by the same medical problems, but infant death caused by several different factors.

These factors may include problems with sleep arousal or an inability to sense a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood. Almost all SIDS deaths occur without any warning or symptoms when the infant is thought to be sleeping.

SIDS is most likely to occur between 2 and 4 months of age, and 90% occur by 6 months of age. It occurs more often in winter months, with the peak in January. There is also a greater incidence in Native Americans and African Americans.

The following factors increase the risk of SIDS:

• Babies who sleep on their stomachs
• Babies who have soft bedding in the crib
• Multiple birth babies
• Premature babies
• Babies with a sibling who had SIDS
• Mothers who smoke or use illegal drugs
• Teen mothers
• Short intervals between pregnancies
• Late or no prenatal care
• Situations of poverty

Boys are affected more than girls. While studies show that babies with these risk factors are more likely to be affected, the impact or importance of each factor is not well-defined or understood.

Review Date: 10/10/2005
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, M.D., MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.