Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

• sudden unexplained death before one year of age
• usually occurs in a previously healthy infant
• the cause of death remains unexplained despite a thorough investigation ( autopsy, death scene investigation and review of clinical history

Question 2

SIDS risk factors

Answer 2

• prone and side sleeping
• soft bedding
• bed sharing
• inappropriate bed surfaces
• exposure to tobacco smoke
• prematurity

Question 3

SIDS protective factors

Answer 3

• breastfeeding
• pacifier use
• room sharing
• immunizations

Question 4

Pathophysiology of SIDS

parts involved

Answer 4

cortex ~maintains sleep and responds to wake up signal
subcortex~ sends wake up signal to cortex
respiratory ~ signals danger to sub cortex when blocked
cardio~irregular heartbeat (QTc’s) associated with SIDS

Question 5

Pathophysiology of SIDS

malfunction causes

Answer 5

• birth defect, apnea, prone sleeping hinder cortical function
• smoking and drugs affect all systems
• overheating causes irregular heartbeat

Question 6

Non- hispanic black and American Indian/Alaskan natives have ________mortality rates

Answer 6

much higher