1. SIDS Sudden infant death syndrome

2. DEFINITION The sudden death of an infant younger than one year of age Remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including: – performance of a complete autopsy – examination of the death scene – review of the clinical history

3. PATHOGENESIS Underlying vulnerability (eg, genetic pattern, brainstem abnormality) A trigger event (eg, airflow obstruction, maternal smoking or infection) At a vulnerable developmental stage of the central nervous or immune system

4. Maternal risk factors Young maternal age Maternal smoking during pregnancy, drug abuse, alcohol use Late or no prenatal care Pregnancy complications -placenta previa, abruptio placenta, premature rupture of membranes, and elevated maternal alpha- fetoprotein

5. Infant and environmental risk factors Preterm birth and/or low birth weight Prone sleeping position Sleeping on a soft surface and/or with bedding accessories such as loose blankets and pillows Bed-sharing (eg, sleeping in parents’ bed) Overheating Sibling of SIDS victim

7. הערות נוספות A history of apnea, apparent life-threatening event (ALTE), or other abnormalities in breathing patterns are not clinically useful predictors of SIDS risk Car seats Sleep positioners Swaddling Pacifier use Breastfeeding