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.
Ava Adams, District
Chair
Young Children
Committee
Member, Kiwanis
international
Committee on Young Children
Scarborough Maine Kiwanis
Club
New England and Bermuda
District of Kiwanis
