SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS) & SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME (SBS)

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Leading cause of death in infants Occurs in all kinds of families Most deaths before 6 months old –During sleep Higher likelihood among boys, premature, low birth weight infants, twins, triplets SIDS is determined after all other causes have been eliminated Exact causes are unknown SIDS: WHAT WE KNOW

Smoking while pregnant Teenage pregnancy Poor prenatal care Low weight gain during pregnancy Drug use Premature & low birth weight Infants put to sleep on stomach RISK FACTORS

PREVENTION Infant should be put to sleep on its back Non-fluffy bedding Good prenatal care No smoking Cool room temperature Breastfeeding Regular infant check-ups

SIDS is NOT: Not contagious Not caused by immunizations Not caused by child abuse Not caused by vomiting, choking, colds or infections Not the cause of every unexpected infant death

When BABIES Cry: Shaken Baby Syndrome Video

A form of abusive head trauma that causes brain injury, bleeding over the surface of the brain, swelling of the brain, bleeding at the back of the eyes, and other injuries not seen together in any other disease or medical condition SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME

SBS is… A form of child abuse Is homicide or murder if the child dies A unique, identifiable combination of injuries From forceful, violent shaking Preventable

SBS is NOT… A form of punishment or neglect Found among the effects of any other form of child abuse or accidental trauma A pre-existing medical condition or disease Always seen with visible bruises Caused by car accidents, falls, tossing in the air, or rough play Caused by birth, CPR, or genetic disorders

Know the FACTS About 1,200-1,600 cases of SBS each year 25% of all shaken babies die from their injuries Remaining 75% suffer brain damage 60% die from injuries or suffer lifetime disabilities 55%-70% of perpetrators are male

Activities that Do NOT cause SBS… Baby falling off furniture or a counter Baby being bounced or jogged on an adult’s knee Baby being carried in a caregiver’s backpack while the caregiver jogs or runs Baby being tossed up and caught Baby jerking in a car seat when a driver stops the car suddenly.

Profile of a Shaken Child Less than one year old Majority under 6 months old Twins have a higher chance

Profile of a Shaker 55%-70% of the shakers are male –Less familiar with babies’ needs –Financial or family stress –Not use to baby’s crying Anyone who may become frustrated is capable of shaking a baby

Why is a Baby so Easily Hurt? Heavy head: 25% of body weight Weak neck muscles – can’t resist movement Space inside skull – force increase Delicate veins – tear and bleed easily Brain is still developing – vulnerable to injury

The Many Costs… Initial hospitalization: $150,000 per child Ongoing treatment: $180,000 per year per child Child’s loss of childhood, teenage years, adulthood, and parenthood Loss of “normal” physical and cognitive functions High public education costs

Prevention Works! SBS is preventable w/ EDUCATION Know the injuries that shaking causes and ways to manage frustrations and stress Stop before you shake!

Why do Babies Cry? Hungry Burp Suck on a pacifier or clean finger Diaper change Too hot or too cold Sick or cranky Diaper rash Teething Tired Over-stimulated

More Reasons for Crying… Colic Fever Reacting to caregiver’s stress Pain Bored Needs to be comforted/held No apparent reason at all

Why Shake? To stop child from CRYING –Frustration builds –Caregiver does NOT take a breather –Caregiver losses control –Caregiver shakes baby Toilet training, choosey appetite, crankiness, sick

Learn Coping Skills Stress management Anger management Discipline Ages and stages of children Nurturing Overall parenting

Check the Baby’s Basic Needs… Does diaper need changing? Hungry? Is the baby being scratched or poked by something? Does baby want to be cuddled? Does baby want to be played with? Is the baby too hot or too cold? Is the baby overtired? Is the baby teething? Is the baby bored?

Ways to Soothe a Crying Baby… Create a new, soft noise to distract the baby Show the baby something new to look at Sing to the baby Rock the baby gently Give the baby a warm bath Put the baby in a new position Rub baby’s back Push baby is a stroller or take for a ride in the car If baby is ill, call a doctor or nurse

If Frustration Builds, Ask Yourself Have I tried the things that soothe most babies? Is the baby safe? How am I feeling as a caregiver? Where can I best put my energy right now without hurting this child?

Always Remember… No baby has died from crying too much If someone calls you frustrated with a crying baby, offer your help NEVER shake a baby Need help: childhelpUSA hotline or 911

Legal Charges… Assault on a Child: What a person is charged with for having shaken a baby or child who has been diagnosed with SBS. Child Homicide: What a person can be charged with when a baby or child dies from SBS. In all cased of SBS, CPS is called, and all other children in the same environment may be removed for their protection.

Signs & Symptoms Absence of response to stimulation Inability to make sounds Difficult breathing Unconsciousness Vomiting Crying quit due to brain damage/uncontrollable crying Rolling eyes Learning & cognitive disabilities Behavioral disorders Blindness Cerebral palsy Seizure Loss of motor control

Parts of the Brain Brain stem: breathing & heartbeat Cerebellum: reflexive movements (blinking) Limbic system: processing emotions Cerebral cortex: conscious, voluntary actions

Hemispheres of the Brain Right: big picture Left: specific detail

Lobes of the Brain Frontal: thinking, planning, reasoning Temporal: hearing, language Parietal: perception of touch, smell, taste Occipital: vision

SBS Simulator First level of forceful shaking severe enough to cause injury, back of simulator’s brain lights up –Visually impaired/blind Second level, front of the simulator’s brain lights up, and the baby would have additional injuries that would cause loss of memory and emotion. –Learning disabilities/behavioral disorders.

Third level, injury to the brain is extensive. The sides of the simulator’s brain light up in addition to the back and front. Baby would lose the ability to speak and hear, would be paralyzed on one or both sides –Can result in death

Questions?