SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS) FAEMSE
Definition - SIDS the sudden death of an infant, usually under 1 year of age, which remains unexplained after a complete postmortem investigation FAEMSE
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
SIDS - What It Is Sudden & silent in an apparently healthy infant Unpredictable & unpreventable Quick death with no signs of suffering - usually during sleep FAEMSE
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
FAEMSE
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