What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Cot Death
• Crib Death
• Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID)

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? (Definition/Background Information)

• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexpected death of an infant less than 1 year old, with no obvious cause of death prior to investigation. The condition is also known as Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID)
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome may be defined as the cause of infant death remaining completely unexplained, even after a thorough case investigation, with review of the clinical history, performance of a complete autopsy and careful examination of the death scene
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome primarily occurs between the ages of 2 and 4 months and generally affects boys at a higher rate than girls. The risk factors for SIDS may include the position of the child as he/she sleeps, as well as maternal factors during pregnancy including smoking or alcohol abuse
• In almost all cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, there are no signs or symptoms that precede death. Therefore, there is no treatment for the condition. Without early detection, the mortality rate is 100%

Who gets Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome occurs in children under the age of 12 months
• 90% of SIDS cases is seen to occur before 6 months of age, with a majority occurring between ages 2-4 months
• Boys are affected at a higher incidence rate than girls for some unknown reason
• All racial and ethnic groups may be affected, although the incidence of SIDS is noted to be higher among African Americans, Native Americans, and Eskimo infants

What are the Risk Factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for developing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome could possibly include:

• With respect to the infant:
  • Being male
  • Being between 2 to 4 months of age
  • Belonging to African American, Native American, or of Eskimo background
  • Having a family history of SIDS
  • Being a child of multiple births
  • Being born prematurely with a low birth weight
  • Being exposed to second-hand smoke
  • Sleeping on the stomach or sleeping with soft bedding in the crib
• With respect to the expectant mother:
  • Having a child while young (under the age of 20 years)
  • Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illegal or non-prescription drugs during pregnancy
  • Having poor prenatal care

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? (Etiology)

The direct cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is generally unknown. However, a combination of environmental and physical factors could influence SIDS including:

• Malfunctioning or immaturity of the part of the brain that controls breathing and waking up (brain stem and cerebellum)
• Difficulties breathing due to respiratory tract infections
• Sleeping in a position or on a material that adversely affect breathing, such as sleeping face down, or on a soft surface
• Conditions that may lead to an inability to control blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

Almost all deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome occur without the appearance of any signs and symptoms. In some cases, it may be perceived that the infant is in distress and may be dying.

How is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome includes:

• A diagnosis of exclusion, which means that the baby is said to have died due to SIDS after all other possible causes of death have been ruled out
• A thorough clinical investigation, including a review of the clinical history, performance of a complete autopsy, and examination of the death scene is considered

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

Complications from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome may include:

• Guilty feelings for the parents or caretakers, as the cause of death is unknown (and could remain unidentified)
• Placing undue blame on caretakers, causing strain in relationships

How is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Treated?

It is not possible to treat Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, since early detection of the condition does not take place. However, the following options may be considered:

• If the baby is found not moving or breathing, then CPR should be started and local emergency services informed immediately (call 911 in the US)
• Parents affected by a child lost to SIDS, should seek emotional support and treatment to help deal with grief

Even with early medical intervention, SIDS is fatal.

How can Sudden Infant Death Syndrome be Prevented?

Although Sudden Infant Death Syndrome may not be preventable, certain methods to reduce some of the risk factors include:

• Having the infant sleep on his or her back
• Avoid overheating the baby with blankets; avoid keeping the baby too warm
• Sleeping on a firm surface without many objects in the crib
• Receiving proper prenatal care throughout the gestation period
• Avoiding alcohol, smoking, or drugs during pregnancy
• Adequately breastfeeding the child

There are many devices being advertised that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS. Currently, however, there are no such FDA-approved devices. Caution is advised before using such devices.

What is the Prognosis of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a fatal disorder and the prognosis is typically poor.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

• The occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome has been decreasing, which is thought to be mainly because of national public health campaigns that recommend healthy infants to be put to sleep on their backs
• Apparent Life Threatening Events (ALTE) are not risk factors for SIDS. According to the US National Institutes of Health, “an ALTE is defined as an episode that is frightening to the observer and is characterized by some combination of apnea (pause in breathing), color change (bluish, pale, reddish or plethoric), change in muscle tone and choking or gagging”
• Previously used terminology such as ‘near-miss SIDS’ or ‘aborted crib death’ should be abandoned, because their use implies a possibly misleading and close association between this type of event and SIDS
• The National Foundation for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome may be contacted to arrange counselling for someone who has lost their baby due to SIDS. It is important to seek grief counselling if you have lost an infant to SIDS