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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Casey Harris
University of Phoenix
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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the predominately-unsolved problems of
early life. The number of infants who die each year of SIDS is greater than the number of
children who die of pneumonia, heart disease, AIDS, cancer, child abuse, cystic fibrosis, and
muscular dystrophy combined. Even though SIDS is not predictable or 100% preventable, there
are prevention tips, guidance, and support for those that have been affected by this tragedy.
SIDS is defined as an unspecified medical entity: the sudden and unexpected death of a
reasonably healthy child, whose death remains unsolved after the performance of an adequate
assessment of medical history, autopsy, and death scene examination, (Valdes-Dapena, 1979).
SIDS cannot be reversed, predicted, or prevented.
There appears to be no suffering and in most SIDS cases; death occurs rapidly and
during sleep. SIDS is the leading cause of death during the first year of life with a rough rate of
two per every thousand births. SIDS could possibly have more than one cause, though the ending
development appears to be associated in the majority of cases. SIDS is not caused by slight
illnesses such as infections and colds, choking or vomiting. Research has shown the diphtheria,
pertussus, and tetanus (DPT) vaccines, or further immunizations do not cause SIDS. (Walker et
al., 1987)
Babies who pass away from SIDS are born under one or more circumstances, which
predispose them to stresses that emerge in the typical life of a child, including external and
internal handling. SIDS is insensitive to race or social and economic level and occurs in all types
of families. Infants whose mothers smoke throughout pregnancy are more probable to turn out to
be victims of SIDS. SIDS affects females more than males with a ratio of 60 to 40% and is more
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frequent in families where cigarette smoke is found in the home on a regular basis. In addition,
SIDS deaths do recur in families; the rate among siblings of babies who pass away of SIDS is
four to seven times greater than that for the general population (Valdes-Dapena, 1979).
In parts of the world where there are larger seasonal temperature changes, more incident
take place during the winter than the summer. However, in subtropical and moderate climates,
there is a minute variation in the rate of unsolved deaths taking place during the summer and
winter months. This finding has created a suggestion that cold weather may be linked to the
pathogenesis of SIDS in some way (Valdes-Dapena, 1979).
Researchers think the only avoidance of SIDS is careful medical management of children
in the particular age group that is affected. The outcome of some current studies has divided
many risk factors. These risk factors may play a role in a number of cases. (The SIDS Network,
2008). Additional researchers think there are things parents can do to help hinder SIDS from
occurring. Following are a few tips for parents and caregivers to help prevent SIDS (Caldwell,
2007): Babies should not be permitted to sleep face down. Parents are encouraged not to smoke
during pregnancy or around infants and babies. Parents and caregivers should not allow an infant
to become too cold or to warm. Parents should take their babies to a healthcare provider for
standard check-ups and regular immunizations. Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to
take a CPR course.
Several new studies have been initiated by American Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Institute to gain knowledge of why and how Sudden Infant Death Syndrome occurs. Scientists
are exploring the function and growth of the nervous system, heart, brain, body chemical
balances, sleep patterns, breathing patterns, environmental factors, and autopsy findings. There is
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a chance that SIDS, like many other medical disorders will one day have more than one
clarification (The SIDS Network, 1997).
The sudden passing away of a baby is appalling and this feeling may carry on for an
extended amount of time. Even though death is considerably distressing for any family, when an
outwardly well child is found deceased their crib, it is particularly hard to handle. Parents may be
extremely broken and it is difficult for the majority of them to avoid experiencing some level of
blame. Therefore, parents need constant assurance that they are not responsible, and that
suffocation and any noticeable illnesses were not the reason for the infant’s death. Emotional
support and concern from health team members is essential for parents whose children have died
due to SIDS.
For this reason, all over the United States and other countries, groups have been
established by parents who have had children die in this way, to support each other during the
period of bereavement and to inform the public about the problem of Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome. These organizations of parents supply help through the sharing of experiences and
acknowledge that SIDS deaths are not unique. The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Network, Inc.
is a nonprofit, voluntary health agency whose goals are to put an end to SIDS through the
support of SIDS research projects, raise public awareness of the issue, and to offer support to
people who have been affected by SIDS (The SIDS Network, 2006). First Candle provides a
state-by-state register of grief resources available to those that have been affected by an infant
death, during pregnancy of after childbirth.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is one of the most complicated and disheartening events a
parent may encounter. SIDS is an alarming and valid fear of all doctors and parents. Although
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some infants are more susceptible to SIDS, it strikes families of all races and ethnic backgrounds
with no forewarning; neither the physician nor the parents can predict that something is wrong.
Undoubtedly, public knowledge of this heartbreaking event needs to be improved. The future of
SIDS research focuses heavily on predisposing factors and cause identification. Public awareness
is vital to the continuity of SIDS research with the hope one day a cause will be identified and a
method of prevention implemented.
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References
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Cowan, S., Tappin, D., & Ford, R. (1996). Kids against SIDS. Health Education, 1, 20-25.
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October 23, 2008, from Http://sids-network.org/sidsfacts.htm
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from Http://sids-network.org/risk.htm
The SIDS Network (n.d.). Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Retrieved 2008, from
Http://sids-network.org/index.html
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Walker, A. M., Jick, H., Perera, D. R., Thompson, R. S., & Knauss, T. A. (1987). Diphtheria-
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