Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Question 1

What is the commonest cause of death in the first year of life?

Answer 1

SIDS

Question 2

At what age is it most common?

Answer 2

3 months of age

Question 3

What are some risk factors for SIDS?

Answer 3

• Prematurity
• Parental smoking
• Hyperthermia (e.g. over-wrapping)
• Putting the baby to sleep prone
• Male sex
• Multiple births
• Bottle feeding
• Social classes IV and V
• Maternal drug use
• Incidence increases in winter

Question 4

Following an episode of SIDS what should be done with siblings?

Answer 4

They should be screened for potential sepsis and inborn errors of metabolism.