Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Introduction to Sudden infant death syndrome

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is defined as sudden death of an infant within 1 year of age which is unexpected by any medical history or which cannot be explained even after complete postmortem examination and autopsy. Sudden infant death syndrome is a complex or multifactor disorder wherein the exact cause of death remains unknown and still remains as one of the leading causes of post neonatal death.^1,2

Risk Factors for Sudden infant death syndrome

Risk factors for Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

The exact cause for SIDS is although unknown, there are various risk factors that may be associated to this sudden death of the infant.

Signs and Symptoms of Sudden infant death syndrome

Signs and symptoms of Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

There is no clear-cut demarcation to identify SIDS; however, the infant may present with certain common signs like difficulty in breathing and change in color (pallor, purple, blue). The infant may also have vomiting, cough and

Diagnosis of Sudden infant death syndrome

Diagnosis of Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

The diagnosis can be relatively (though not accurately) made with proper information obtained from the parents of the infant. Physical examination of the infant is done to identify any abnormality or malformations and also to assess

Treatment of Sudden infant death syndrome

Treatment for Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Prevention of Sudden infant death syndrome

Some of the preventive measures include:

Placing the infants on their back during sleep

Use of firm mattress

Setting a thermostat at a comfortable temperature

Using pacifiers at nap time and bed time

Avoiding usage of tobacco, alcohol and drugs by women

Written by: healthplus24 team
Date last updated: July 14, 2011

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References

Hunt CE, Hauck FR. Sudden infant death syndrome. CMAJ. 2006; 174(13):1861–1869.
Hunt CE. Sudden infant death syndrome and other causes of infant mortality: diagnosis, mechanisms, and risk for recurrence in siblings. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2001; 164(3): 346–357.
Creery D, Mikrogianakis A. Sudden infant death syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2003; 68(7): 1375–1376.
Hall KL, Zalman B. Evaluation and management of apparent life-threatening events in children. Am Fam Physician. 2005; 71(12): 2301–2308.