SIDS

Question 1

What is SIDS?

Answer 1

A complex

Multifactorial disorder

Of unknown cause

Where there is sudden death of an infant

That is unexpected by history and

Unexplained after autopsy, death scene and medical history

With environmental

And genetic

Risk factors

Question 2

What are the investigations in SIDS?

Answer 2

Full autopsy

Scene of death

Review medical history

Genetic factors

Question 3

What are the features of SIDS?

Answer 3

Sudden and silent

Healthy infant

Unpredictable and unpreventable

Quick death usually in sleep

Question 4

What are the myths about SIDS?

Answer 4

That it is caused by

Vomiting or choking

External suffocation or overlaying

Contagious or hereditary

Child abuse

Lack of love

Immunization

Allergy to cows milk

Question 5

What are the risk factors for SIDS?

Answer 5

Cold months

Young mother < 20

Smoking mothers

Male > female

Premature or LBW

URTI prior weeks

Paternal marijuana

Maternal opiate cocaine

Short baby gaps

Low socioeconomic class

Late or no prenatal care

Question 6

What are the common autopsy findings in SIDS?

Answer 6

Petechial hemorrhage

Pulmonary congestion and edema

Pink frothy oronasal secretions