Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Question 1

What is the most common cause of death in the first year of life?

Answer 1

SIDS - sudden infant death syndrome

Question 2

When is SIDS most common?

Answer 2

3 months of age

Question 3

What are the major risk factors for SIDS?

Answer 3

1. baby sleeping prone - x3.5-9.3, greater if baby not used to sleeping prone.
2. parental smoking - x5
3. prematurity - x4
4. bed sharing - x5.1
5. hyperthermia e.g. over-wrapping or head covering if blanket accidentally moves

Other:

• male >female
• multiple births
• social classes IV and V
• maternal drug use
• winter

Question 4

If the parents smoke and share a bed with the infant, what is the odds ratio for SIDS?

Answer 4

• Odds are additive
• Bed sharing = x5.1
• Smoking = x5
• Therefore 5 + 5.1 = x10 odds ratio

Question 5

What are the protective factors for SIDS?

Answer 5

• breastfeeding
• room sharing BUT not bed
• use of dummies

Question 6

Following cot death, what should other children be screened for?

Answer 6

• Sepsis
• Inborn errors of metabolism

Question 7

Define SIDS.

Answer 7

Death in an infant after the first month in a previously well infant,
with no cause identified even after a detailed autopsy

Question 8

For how many months should parents sleep in the same room as the infant?

Answer 8

6 months