The Sudden Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of infants under one year of age that causes unexplained after a thorough investigation in which they perform a complete autopsy, examination of the scene where the death occurred and analysis of medical records, the syndrome can also cause death more rapidly in baby.
SIDS is:
The main causes of death in infants between one month and one year, with a higher incidence between the second and fourth months.
All of a sudden and silent. The baby looks healthy.
A type of death related to sleep and that leaves no signs of suffering.
A recognized medical condition.
Determined only after an autopsy, examination of the scene where the death occurred and analysis of the clinical history of a family member baby died.
Considered a diagnosis of exclusion.
Infant mortality that cannot be explained, causing deep pain to parents and family.
What are the main features of SIDS?
SIDS is unexpected. Often occurs during sleep in healthy infants suddenly less than a year. It is usual that SIDS occurs during the first month of life. But it also can occur after the sixth month, we recorded the highest incidence between the second and fourth month infant (American Academy of Pediatrics. “)
In the United States (U.S.) has the highest incidence of SIDS during the autumn and winter, with higher incidence in male babies (about 60% of men versus 40% girls).
Is there a way to reduce the risk of SIDS?
There is currently no way to prevent SIDS. However, there are several recommendations for parents and individuals who are dedicated to child care which aims to reduce incidents. For example, researchers agree that the health of mothers during pregnancy and child health after birth is a very important factor.
The researchers also said that factors such as environment and certain behaviors (called risk factors) can place children in situations of greater risk for certain diseases. Although not the cause of disease risk factors, scientists use them to understand the disease and determine the cause.
Currently, both the scientists and physicians trying to identify risk factors that can be changed or controlled, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
For example, SIDS experts know that certain factors such as infant sleep position, exposure to secondhand smoke and too warm while sleeping infant may increase the risk of dying from SIDS.