Epidemiology
- Peak incidence: 2–4 months
Etiology
- Definition: Sudden, unexpected death of an infant < 1 year of age that remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation (autopsy, death scene, and clinical history).
- Peak incidence: 2 to 4 months of age (90% occur before 6 months).
- Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Prone or side-sleeping position (highest risk).
- Soft sleep surfaces and loose bedding (pillows, bumper pads, plush toys, quilts).
- Bed-sharing / Co-sleeping (especially on couches, with smokers, or if parents are impaired/fatigued).
- Overheating / Overbundling (excessive clothing, high room temperature, head coverings).
- Maternal smoking (prenatal and postnatal) or secondhand smoke exposure.
- Maternal alcohol or illicit substance use.
- Lack of prenatal care, young maternal age (< 20 years).
- Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Prematurity (< 37 weeks gestation) and low birth weight (LBW).
- Male sex.
- Sibling history of SIDS.
- Protective Factors:
- Supine sleeping position (“Back to Sleep”).
- Room-sharing without bed-sharing for the first 6 months.
- Pacifier use at sleep time.
- Breastfeeding (exclusive or partial).
- Up-to-date immunizations.
- Firm, flat mattress with a tight-fitting sheet.
Pathophysiology
Clinical features
Abrupt and unexplained death of an infant
Diagnostics
Treatment
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