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What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?Sudden infant death syndrome (also known as SIDS) is defined as the sudden death of an infant younger than 1 year of age. If the child's death remains unexplained after a formal investigation into the circumstances of the death (including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history), the death is then attributed to SIDS. Sudden infant death is a tragic event for any parent or caregiver.
SIDS CausesThe cause (or causes) of SIDS is still unknown. Despite the dramatic decrease in the incidence of SIDS in the United States in recent years, SIDS remains one of the leading causes of death during infancy beyond the first 30 days after birth. It is generally accepted that SIDS may be a reflection of multiple interacting factors.
QUESTIONIs grief a normal reaction? See AnswerExams and Tests for Sudden Infant Death SyndromeSIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that other causes of death must be ruled out. The cause of an infant's death can be determined only through a process of collecting information and conducting sometimes-complex forensic tests and procedures. All other recognizable causes of death are investigated prior to making the diagnosis of SIDS. Four major avenues of investigation aid in the determination of a SIDS death: postmortem lab tests, autopsy, death-scene investigation, and the review of victim and family case history.
Clinical Features of SIDSSudden infant death syndrome remains an unpredictable, unpreventable, and largely inexplicable tragedy. The baby is seemingly healthy without any sign of distress or significant illness prior to the incident.
When to Seek Medical CareFinding an infant pulseless and not breathing is an emergency. Call 911, and begin basic infant CPR. Management of SIDSSelf-care at home There is no home care for SIDS. Call 911 for emergency medical services. However, if any of the parents, caregivers, or bystanders has been instructed in infant CPR, they should perform CPR prior to paramedic arrival. Medical responses The initial response is directed by the emergency personnel at the scene according to pediatric advanced life support protocols. Resuscitation measures may be implemented unless signs of death are obvious. Initial responses may include the following:
Can SIDS be Prevented?There is currently no way to predict which infants are at risk for SIDS. SIDS has been linked to certain risk factors. Therefore, eliminating or preventing these factors has reduced the risk of SIDS for many infants.
Outlook (Prognosis) for Families of SIDS VictimsMost counties throughout the United States have access to support services for families following a SIDS death. Each family's grief is unique. However, many families who have experienced SIDS have found it helpful to use the counseling resources that may be provided through public-health nursing agencies, local coroner, or medical examiner offices, or information and counseling programs based at many children's hospitals across the country. Assistance with identifying these counseling programs is provided at the Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs web site. Support Groups and Counseling for Families of SIDS VictimsLosing a child is a unique crisis for any family, especially when the child has died suddenly, unexpectedly, and for no apparent reason.
FromReferences Medically reviewed by Margaret Walsh, MD; American Board of Pediatrics REFERENCE: Carolan, Patrick. "Sudden Infant Death Syndrome." eMedicine.com. Oct. 1, 2009. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1004238-overview>. Which of the following is generally accepted to be the most critical factor in predicting whether an infant will develop sudden infant death?However, it is generally accepted that the most critical factor in predicting whether an infant will develop SIDS is prone sleeping.
Which of the following are known factors related to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome quizlet?The potential factors that contribute to the occurrence of SIDS include inadequate prenatal care, low birth weight (<2499gr), premature infants, intrauterine growth delay, short interval between pregnancies and maternal substance use (tobacco, alcohol, opiates).
Which of the following risk factors are associated with SIDS quizlet?Rationale: (D) Prematurity, low birth weight, and multiple births are important risk factors associated with SIDS. Immunizations have been disapproved to be associated with the disorder.
What is the leading cause of SIDS?overheating while sleeping. too soft a sleeping surface, with fluffy blankets or toys. mothers who smoke during pregnancy (three times more likely to have a baby with SIDS) exposure to passive smoke from smoking by mothers, fathers, and others in the household doubles a baby's risk of SIDS.
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