1. SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS)
FAEMSE

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

3. 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

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

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

6. 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

7. FAEMSE

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

9. 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

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

11. Thank you….
FAEMSE