July, 2018 YCPO Newsletter
SUDDEN
INFANT DEATH SYNDROME
(SIDS)
Facts
SIDS is the leading cause of death among
babies between 1 month and 1 year of age.
More than 2,000 babies died of SIDS in
2010, the last year for which such statistics are available.
Most SIDS deaths occur when in babies between 1 month
and 4 months of age, and the majority (90%) of SIDS deaths occur before a baby
reaches 6 months of age. However SIDS
deaths can occur anytime during a baby's first year.
SIDS is a sudden and silent medical
disorder that can happen to an infant who seems healthy.
Slightly more boys die of SIDS than do
girls.
SIDS rates for the United States have
dropped steadily since 1994 in all racial and ethnic groups. Thousands of
infant lives have been saved, but some ethnic groups are still at higher risk
for SIDS.
SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS)
Information provided by the Mayo Clinic
DEFINITION
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the
unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than
a year old. SIDS is sometimes known as crib death because the infants often die
in their cribs.
Although the cause is unknown, it appears
that SIDS may be associated with abnormalities in the portion of an infant's
brain that controls breathing and arousal from sleep.
Researchers have discovered some factors
that may put babies at extra risk. They've also identified some measures you
can take to help protect your child from SIDS. Perhaps the most important
measure is placing your baby on his or her back to sleep.
Causes
Physical
factors
• Brain abnormalities. Some
infants are born with problems that make them more likely to die of SIDS. In
many of these babies, the portion of the brain that controls breathing and
arousal from sleep isn't yet mature enough to work properly.
• Low birth weight. Premature
birth or being part of a multiple birth increases the likelihood that a baby's
brain hasn't matured completely, so he or she has less control over such
automatic processes as breathing and heart rate.
• Respiratory infection. Many
infants who died of SIDS had recently had a cold, which may contribute to
breathing problems.
Sleep
environmental factors
• Sleeping on the stomach or side. Babies
who are placed on their stomachs or sides to sleep may have more difficulty
breathing than those placed on their backs.
• Sleeping on a soft surface. Lying
face down on a fluffy comforter or a waterbed can block an infant's airway.
Draping a blanket over a baby's head also is risky.
•
Sleeping
with parents. While the risk of SIDS is lowered if an
infant sleeps in the same room as his or her parents, the risk increases if the
baby sleeps in the same bed — partly because there are more soft
surfaces to impair breathing.
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends
that the baby sleep in the parent’s room at night for at least the first
six months and ideally for the first year. Positioning the crib, bassinet, or
play yard close to the bed allows one to easily reach the baby for nighttime
feeding and comforting.
Risk
factors
Although sudden infant death syndrome can
strike any infant, researchers have identified several factors that may
increase a baby's risk. They include:
• Sex. Boys are
more likely to die of SIDS.
• Age. Infants are
most vulnerable during the second and third months of life.
• Race. For reasons
that aren't well-understood, black, American Indian or Alaska Native infants
are more likely to develop SIDS.
• Family history. Babies
who've had siblings or cousins die of SIDS are at higher risk of SIDS.
• Secondhand smoke. Babies
who live with smokers have a higher risk of SIDS.
• Being premature. Both
being born early and having low birth weight increase your baby's chances of
SIDS.
Maternal
risk factors
During pregnancy, the risk of SIDS is also
affected by the mother, especially if she:
• Is
younger than 20
• Smokes cigarettes
• Uses
drugs or alcohol
• Has
inadequate prenatal care
UPDATE
29th
March 2018 – Babies who die from SIDS are more likely to have rare genetic
mutations that cause them to have weaker breathing muscles, according to a new
study.
It
is not known why some babies die suddenly from SIDS, but babies being unable to
regulate their breathing is thought to be an important condition.
The
latest research suggests a possible genetic element to the disorder.
However,
the researchers stress that further investigations are needed to understand the
link, and whether medication might be suitable to prevent baby deaths.
HOW
CAN KIWANIS CLUBS HELP?
• Educate the public by distributing this
information at Health Fairs, Pediatrician's Offices, OB/GYN Offices, Urgent
Care Facilities, Day Care Providers etc.
Copy and paste the following in your
browser. You will find a brochure on SIDS available from KPTI for distribution
to the public.
AvaAdams, District Coordinator
Young Children Priority One
(Y.C.P.O.)
New England and Bermuda District of
Kiwanis
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