About SIDS

  What is SIDS?  The definition of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant, under one year of age.  The death remains unexplained after a complete medical history review, autopsy and death scene investigation, which are required by law.

  While the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, researchers have been able to identify factors that are associated with infants and infant care practices that increase the risk of SIDS.  As a result, risk reduction recommendations have been established.  Parents and other caregivers should remember that, if practiced, these risk reduction techniques will dramatically reduce the risk of SIDS.  They are listed under 'What Can I Do to Reduce My Baby's Risk of SIDS?' at www.sidsresources.org

  The distribution statistics are as follows; 90% of all SIDS deaths occur in infants less than six months of age, while  70% of deaths occur in infants between two and four months of age.  Also, more deaths occur during the winter and fall months.  Approximately 3,000-4,000 babies die of Sudden Infant Death in the United States each year.  In the State of Missouri, approximately 100 babies succumb to Sudden Infant Death, with about 60% male vs. 40% female.  SIDS affects babies of all races, religions and ethnic groups.

  The incidence of SIDS is greater for: low birth weight babies (under 2,500 grams), babies whose mothers smoke during or after pregnancy, babies of multiple births (twins or triplets), babies born within 18 months of one another and babies of younger mothers.

  Following is A Physiological Basis for Risk reduction Recommendations, A Brief Overview of Current Research Theories and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

        1.  The cause(s) of SIDS are/is not known at this time.  Doctors are currently conducting medical research based 

              on a wide number of theories.  It is important to note that there may not be one single thing that leads to SIDS.

        2.  Different factors may interact with one another to result in a SIDS death.

        3.  Current research points towards a malfunction in the lower part of the brain, including the brain stem and 

              cerebellum.  

        4.  A SIDS death could occur due to a baby's inability to: 

                     A.  Respond to a lack of oxygen in the environment.

                     B.  Respond to excessive carbon-dioxide levels in their system.

                     C.  Control heart rate.

                     D.  Control blood pressure.

                     E.  Regulate body temperature.

                     F.  Keep airways open