sids_flashcards
What is the commonest cause of death in the first year of life?
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
At what age is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) most common?
At 3 months of age.
What are the major risk factors for SIDS?
Putting the baby to sleep prone, parental smoking, prematurity, bed sharing, hyperthermia or head covering.
How does putting the baby to sleep prone affect the risk of SIDS?
The relative risk or odds ratio varies from 3.5 - 9.3. If not accustomed to prone sleeping, the odds ratio increases to 8.7-45.4.
How does parental smoking affect the risk of SIDS?
Studies suggest this increases the risk up to 5 fold.
How does prematurity affect the risk of SIDS?
4-fold increased risk.
How does bed sharing affect the risk of SIDS?
Odds ratio 5.1.
How does hyperthermia or head covering affect the risk of SIDS?
Hyperthermia or head covering increases the risk.
What are some other risk factors for SIDS?
Male sex, multiple births, social classes IV and V, maternal drug use, incidence increases in winter.
What are the protective factors against SIDS?
Breastfeeding, room sharing (but not bed sharing), the use of dummies (pacifiers).
What should be done for siblings following a cot death?
Siblings should be screened for potential sepsis and inborn errors of metabolism.
