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'''Sudden Infant Death Syndrome''' (SIDS), also known as cot death or crib death, is the sudden unexplained death of a child of less than one year of age. Diagnosis requires that the death remains unexplained even after a thorough autopsy and detailed death scene investigation. SIDS usually occurs during sleep. Typically death occurs between the hours of 00:00 and 09:00. There is usually no evidence of struggle and no noise produced.
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
| name          = Sudden infant death syndrome
| synonyms      = {{ hlist | Cot death | crib death }}
| image        = Safe Sleep logo.svg
| alt          = Safe to Sleep logo
| caption      = The [[Safe to Sleep]] campaign encourages having infants sleep on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS.
| field        = {{ hlist | [[Pediatrics]] | [[Forensic pathology]] }}
| onset        = One to four months in age
| causes        = Unknown
| risks        = {{ ubl | Sleeping on belly or side | Overheating | Exposure to [[tobacco smoke]] | [[Preterm birth]] }}
| diagnosis    = {{ hlist | Investigation | [[Autopsy]] }}
| differential  = {{ ubl | [[Infection]]s | [[Genetic disorder]]s | Heart problems }}
| prevention    = {{ ubl | Sleeping supine | [[Pacifier]] use | [[Breastfeeding]] }}
| frequency    = 1 in 1,000–10,000
}}
[[File:C64 SID Block Diagram.svg|C64 SID Block Diagram|thumb]] [[File:Safe Infant Sleep for SIDS Awareness Month (48842727393).jpg|Safe Infant Sleep for SIDS Awareness Month (48842727393)|thumb]] [[File:Infant mortality rates in US.gif|Infant mortality rates in US|thumb]]
[[File:US SIDS rates race 2009.png|US SIDS rates race 2009|thumb]]
[[Sudden infant death syndrome]] (SIDS), sometimes referred to as "crib death" or "cot death," is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy infant, usually during sleep. SIDS typically occurs in children less than one year of age and is one of the leading causes of death in infants worldwide.


==Causes==
==Epidemiology==
The exact cause of SIDS is unknown. The requirement of a combination of factors including a specific underlying susceptibility, a specific time in development, and an environmental stressor has been proposed. These environmental stressors may include sleeping on the stomach or side, overheating, and exposure to tobacco smoke. Accidental suffocation from bed sharing (also known as co-sleeping) or soft objects may also play a role.
SIDS affects infants predominantly between 1 and 4 months of age, with a peak incidence at 2-3 months. It is more common in males than females. Globally, the incidence of SIDS has declined in recent decades due to public health campaigns promoting safe sleep practices.
 
==Etiology and Risk Factors==
The exact cause of SIDS remains unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of factors, including:
 
===Intrinsic Factors===
* [[Genetics]]: Some studies suggest a genetic predisposition may contribute to the risk of SIDS.
* [[Prematurity]]: Infants born prematurely or with low birth weight are at higher risk.
 
===Extrinsic Factors===
* Sleep Environment: Risk increases with unsafe sleep practices such as:
  * [[Prone position|Prone]] or side sleeping.
  * Soft bedding or use of loose blankets.
  * Overheating during sleep.
* [[Maternal smoking]]: Exposure to cigarette smoke during [[pregnancy]] or postnatally.
* [[Co-sleeping]]: Sharing a bed with parents or siblings can increase the risk of accidental suffocation.
 
==Pathophysiology==
The "triple-risk model" is widely accepted as a framework for understanding SIDS. It proposes that SIDS occurs when three conditions overlap:
1. A vulnerable infant with underlying biological predispositions (e.g., immature [[cardiorespiratory]] control).
2. A critical developmental period in the infant's life.
3. Exposure to external stressors, such as an unsafe sleep environment.


==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Prevention measures include placing the baby on their back to sleep, a firm mattress separate from but close to caregivers, no loose bedding, a relatively cool sleeping environment, using a pacifier, and avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke. Breastfeeding and immunization may also be preventive. While devices that monitor a baby's vitals signs are available, their use in preventing SIDS is not supported by evidence.
Public health interventions have significantly reduced SIDS rates by promoting safe sleep practices. Key recommendations include:
 
===Safe Sleep Environment===
* Place infants on their [[back to sleep]] for every nap and nighttime sleep.
* Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a [[safety-approved crib]].
* Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of the infant's sleep area.
 
===Additional Guidelines===
* Share a room, but not a bed, with the infant.
* Avoid overheating and head covering during sleep.
* Encourage [[breastfeeding]], which is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
* Offer a [[pacifier]] at naptime and bedtime, but do not force its use.
* Ensure a smoke-free environment during pregnancy and after birth.


==Epidemiology==
==Diagnosis==
SIDS was the third leading cause of death in infants of one month to one year of age in the United States in 2011. About 80% of cases occur before 4 months of age and it is slightly more common in boys than girls. Rates of SIDS vary nearly tenfold in developed countries from one in a thousand to one in ten thousand. Rates have decreased in many developed countries with the adoption of recommendations to place babies on their back to sleep.
SIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion, made only after a thorough investigation that includes:
* [[Autopsy]]: To rule out other causes of death.
* Review of the [[clinical history]].
* Examination of the death scene.
 
==Differential Diagnosis==
Conditions that may mimic SIDS and should be considered include:
* [[Accidental suffocation]]
* [[Infections]] (e.g., [[sepsis]], [[meningitis]])
* [[Congenital heart defects]]
* [[Metabolic disorders]]


==See also==
==Impact on Families==
* [[Infant mortality]]
The sudden and unexpected nature of SIDS is devastating for families. Bereavement support is crucial and may include:
* [[Child mortality]]
* Counseling services.
* [[Sleep apnea]]
* Support groups for grieving parents.


==References==
==Research and Future Directions==
<references />
Ongoing research aims to identify biomarkers for SIDS, improve understanding of its pathophysiology, and develop strategies for prevention. Areas of interest include:
* [[Genomic studies]]
* Advances in sleep monitoring technology
* Public health policy evaluations


==See Also==
* [[Infant mortality]]
* [[Safe to Sleep campaign]]
* [[Neonatology]]
{{Medical resources
|DiseasesDB    = 12633
|ICD10          = {{ICD10|R|95||r|95}}
|ICD9          = {{ICD9|798.0}}
|ICDO          =
|OMIM          = 272120
|MedlinePlus    = 001566
|eMedicineSubj  = emerg
|eMedicineTopic = 407
|eMedicine_mult = {{eMedicine2|ped|2171}}
|MeshID        = D013398
}}
{{Infants and their care}}
[[Category:Ailments of unknown cause]]
[[Category:Causes of death]]
[[Category:Sleep disorders]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Sleep]]
[[Category:Infant mortality]]
[[Category:Infant mortality]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
{{stub}}
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 18:57, 18 January 2025

Sudden infant death syndrome
Safe to Sleep logo
Synonyms
  • Cot death
  • crib death
Pronounce N/A
Field
Symptoms N/A
Complications N/A
Onset One to four months in age
Duration N/A
Types N/A
Causes Unknown
Risks
Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis
Prevention
Treatment N/A
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency 1 in 1,000–10,000
Deaths N/A


File:C64 SID Block Diagram.svg
C64 SID Block Diagram
File:Safe Infant Sleep for SIDS Awareness Month (48842727393).jpg
Safe Infant Sleep for SIDS Awareness Month (48842727393)
File:Infant mortality rates in US.gif
Infant mortality rates in US
File:US SIDS rates race 2009.png
US SIDS rates race 2009

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sometimes referred to as "crib death" or "cot death," is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy infant, usually during sleep. SIDS typically occurs in children less than one year of age and is one of the leading causes of death in infants worldwide.

Epidemiology[edit]

SIDS affects infants predominantly between 1 and 4 months of age, with a peak incidence at 2-3 months. It is more common in males than females. Globally, the incidence of SIDS has declined in recent decades due to public health campaigns promoting safe sleep practices.

Etiology and Risk Factors[edit]

The exact cause of SIDS remains unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of factors, including:

Intrinsic Factors[edit]

  • Genetics: Some studies suggest a genetic predisposition may contribute to the risk of SIDS.
  • Prematurity: Infants born prematurely or with low birth weight are at higher risk.

Extrinsic Factors[edit]

  • Sleep Environment: Risk increases with unsafe sleep practices such as:
 * Prone or side sleeping.
 * Soft bedding or use of loose blankets.
 * Overheating during sleep.

Pathophysiology[edit]

The "triple-risk model" is widely accepted as a framework for understanding SIDS. It proposes that SIDS occurs when three conditions overlap: 1. A vulnerable infant with underlying biological predispositions (e.g., immature cardiorespiratory control). 2. A critical developmental period in the infant's life. 3. Exposure to external stressors, such as an unsafe sleep environment.

Prevention[edit]

Public health interventions have significantly reduced SIDS rates by promoting safe sleep practices. Key recommendations include:

Safe Sleep Environment[edit]

  • Place infants on their back to sleep for every nap and nighttime sleep.
  • Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib.
  • Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of the infant's sleep area.

Additional Guidelines[edit]

  • Share a room, but not a bed, with the infant.
  • Avoid overheating and head covering during sleep.
  • Encourage breastfeeding, which is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
  • Offer a pacifier at naptime and bedtime, but do not force its use.
  • Ensure a smoke-free environment during pregnancy and after birth.

Diagnosis[edit]

SIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion, made only after a thorough investigation that includes:

Differential Diagnosis[edit]

Conditions that may mimic SIDS and should be considered include:

Impact on Families[edit]

The sudden and unexpected nature of SIDS is devastating for families. Bereavement support is crucial and may include:

  • Counseling services.
  • Support groups for grieving parents.

Research and Future Directions[edit]

Ongoing research aims to identify biomarkers for SIDS, improve understanding of its pathophysiology, and develop strategies for prevention. Areas of interest include:

  • Genomic studies
  • Advances in sleep monitoring technology
  • Public health policy evaluations

See Also[edit]


Infants and their care
Health (Pediatrics)
Development
Socialization and Culture
Infant care and equipment
Other topics
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