SUIDS

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SUIDS
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Definition ofSudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

• The sudden and unexpected death of an apparently
  healthy infant usually under one year of age
  which remains unexplained after a
• complete medical history
• death scene investigation
• postmortem examination
• SIDS is a Diagnosis of Exclusion

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What We Know

• The cause(s) of SIDS remain unknown
• SIDS cannot be predicted or prevented
• No one is to blame for a SIDS death
• Not parents
• Not caregivers
• Not emergency personnel or other health care
  providers

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What Happens

• Baby is usually healthy or may have had sniffles
  or cold
• Baby is put down for nap or night
• Found dead minutes to hours later
• No sign of struggle or distress
• SIDS can happen in any family

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Facts about SIDS

• The leading cause of death in infants between one
  month and one year of age in the U.S.
• Happens in about one of every 1000 live births
• Happens most often between two and four months of
  age
• Happens most often in winter

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SIDS is Not Caused by

• Suffocation
• Vomiting or choking
• Child abuse
• Disease or illness
• Immunizations

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Maternal Risk Factors

• Youngless than 19 years of age
• Tobacco use doubles the risk of SIDS
• Substance use is associated with increased risk
• Limited or late prenatal care
• Short intervals between pregnancies

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Infant Risk Factors for SIDS

• Male gender
• Infant age
• Low birth weight
• Multiple births
• Premature birth
• Babies can die of SIDS without having risk
  factors

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Multifactorial SIDS Theory
InfantsPhysiologicResponses
SIDS
Development
Environment
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Infants Physiologic Responses

• Oxygen reduced, carbon dioxide increased
• Arousal response deficit
• Subtle brainstem dysfunction

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Developmentage vulnerability

• 2-4 months75
• 4-6 months15
• Respiratory system is unstable in all infants
• May take less of an environmental stress to
  trigger SIDS at this age.

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Environmental Factors

• Sleep position
• Smoking
• Temperature
• Bedding
• Swaddling
• Season
• Minor respiratory symptoms
• Drug use
• Poverty
• Limited prenatal care

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Ways to Reduce the Risk of SIDS

• 1. Always place a baby on his/her Back to Sleep.
• 2. Never allow smoking around a baby.
• 3. Place a baby on a firm, flat surface to sleep.
• 4. Remove all soft things such as loose bedding,
  pillows, and stuffed toys from the sleep area.
• 5. Never place a baby on a soft chair or
  pillow.
• 6. Take special precautions when a baby is in
  bed with you.
• 7. Make sure a baby doesnt get too hot.
• 8. Keep a babys face and head uncovered during
  sleep.
• 9. Share this information with everyone who
  cares for a baby.

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When a Baby Dies by SUIDS

• It is stressful for everyone
• Parents
• Family
• Professionals providing care