SIDS - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome American Academy of Pediatrics – Policy Statement The Changing Concept of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Diagnostic Coding Shifts, Controversies Regarding the Sleeping Environment, and New Variables to Consider in Reducing Risk. Pediatrics, (5):

SIDS Defined  The sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age, which remains unexplained after thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history.

Epidemiology  Unknown cause  Responsible for more infant deaths than any other cause (USA) despite >50% reduction since 1992  Rare during the 1 st month  Peaks between 2-3 months

SIDS – USA  deaths per 1000 live births  deaths per 1000 live births  Consistently higher rates are found in black and American Indian/Alaska Native children* 2-3x national average *less likely to position baby supine

Risk Factors  Prone sleep position  Sleeping on a soft surface  Maternal smoking during pregnancy  Overheating  Late or no prenatal care  Young maternal age  Preterm birth and/or low birth weight  Male gender

AAP - Recommendations 1. Back to sleep Infants should be placed for sleep in a supine position for every sleep Side sleeping is not as safe as supine sleeping  Not advised

AAP - Recommendations 2. Use a firm sleep surface Firm crib mattress, covered by a sheet Soft materials (pillows, quilts, comforters, etc.) should not be placed under a sleeping infant

AAP - Recommendations 3. Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib If bumper pads are used, should be thin, firm and well-secured Use sleep clothing with no other coverage or infant sleep sacks

AAP - Recommendations If blankets are used, they should be tucked so that the infant’s face is less likely to be covered With infant’s feet to the foot of the bed, tuck blankets in so that they only reach the infant’s chest

AAP - Recommendations 4. Do not smoke during pregnancy Major risk factor Also avoid infant exposure to second hand smoke

AAP - Recommendations 5. Separate but proximate sleeping environment Risk is reduced when infant sleeps in the same room as the mother Bed sharing is not recommended  Breastfeeding/comforting - return to crib/basinet when parent is ready to return to sleep

AAP - Recommendations 6. Offer a pacifier at nap and bedtime Pacifier use during sleep reduces risk of SIDS  Mechanism unknown? Mechanism unknown? NOTE: Evidence that pacifier use inhibits breastfeeding or causes later dental complications is not strong enough at this time to outweigh this benefit…

First Year – Pacifier Use  Pacifier should be used when placing the infant down for sleep and not be reinserted once the infant falls asleep  If the infant refuses, s/he should not be forced  Pacifiers should not be coated in any sweet solution  Pacifiers should be cleaned often and replaced regularly  For breastfed infants, delay pacifier introduction until 1 month of age Ensure breastfeeding is firmly established

AAP - Recommendations 7. Avoid overheating Should be lightly clothed for sleep Bedroom temperature should be kept comfortable for a lightly clothed adult Overbundling should be avoided Infant should not feel hot to touch

AAP - Recommendations 8. Avoid commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS None have been tested sufficiently to show efficacy or safety

AAP - Recommendations 9. Do not use home monitors as a strategy to reduce SIDS No evidence that they decrease the incidence of SIDS

AAP - Recommendations 10. Avoid development of positional plagiocephaly Encourage “tummy time”*  infant is awake and observed Encourage upright “cuddle time” Avoid excess time in car-seat carriers and “bouncers” Alter supine head position during sleep *also enhances motor development

What’s wrong with this picture?

AAP - Recommendations 11. Continue the Back to Sleep campaign Public education should be intensified  Secondary care-givers Child care providers Grandparents Foster parents Babysitters  Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations

Other theories related to SIDS?