Sids
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SIDS – THE SILENT KILLER
(By Sue Lynn Bell)
Instructor: S. Rios
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is one of the most difficult and mysterious diagnosis to face, for both parents and members of the healthcare team. It is the worst nightmare of all parents. SIDS is defined as "a sudden and unexpected death of an infant, or young child, in which a thorough postmortem examination, and examination of the death scene, fails to demonstrate an adequate cause for death (Caldwell, 1995). Though some are more prone to SIDS, it strikes families of all races, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds without warning. Neither parents or physicians can predict that SIDS will strike (The SIDS Network, 1997). In fact, most victims of SIDS, seem healthy preceding death. This paper outlines the disorder of SIDS and provides some information, though not exhaustive, of the known risk factors.
It is important to establish a clear definition of SIDS so that we can then examine the risk factors and interventions that are known. For a baby’s death to be considered a SIDS death, it must “remain unexplained after all known causes have been ruled out through autopsy, death scene investigation, and medical history.” The problem with SIDS is that it is “a diagnosis of exclusion” . It is only given if all other possible causes of death are ruled out . SIDS can affect any baby no matter their race, religion, or income levels. It usually occurs among babies who seem healthy. It happens during sleep and strikes suddenly without warning. Any baby can be susceptible to SIDS during their first year of life.
RISK FACTORS
No one knows exactly what causes SIDS, but there are some risk factors that have been identified that may increase the risk of SIDS. In urban regions of the United States of America, the incidence of SIDS may be as high as two to three deaths for each 1 000 live births (Marlow, 1973). SIDS accounts for 1 000 deaths each year in
SIDS – THE SILENT KILLER
(By Sue Lynn Bell)
Instructor: S. Rios
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is one of the most difficult and mysterious diagnosis to face, for both parents and members of the healthcare team. It is the worst nightmare of all parents. SIDS is defined as "a sudden and unexpected death of an infant, or young child, in which a thorough postmortem examination, and examination of the death scene, fails to demonstrate an adequate cause for death (Caldwell, 1995). Though some are more prone to SIDS, it strikes families of all races, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds without warning. Neither parents or physicians can predict that SIDS will strike (The SIDS Network, 1997). In fact, most victims of SIDS, seem healthy preceding death. This paper outlines the disorder of SIDS and provides some information, though not exhaustive, of the known risk factors.
It is important to establish a clear definition of SIDS so that we can then examine the risk factors and interventions that are known. For a baby’s death to be considered a SIDS death, it must “remain unexplained after all known causes have been ruled out through autopsy, death scene investigation, and medical history.” The problem with SIDS is that it is “a diagnosis of exclusion” . It is only given if all other possible causes of death are ruled out . SIDS can affect any baby no matter their race, religion, or income levels. It usually occurs among babies who seem healthy. It happens during sleep and strikes suddenly without warning. Any baby can be susceptible to SIDS during their first year of life.
RISK FACTORS
No one knows exactly what causes SIDS, but there are some risk factors that have been identified that may increase the risk of SIDS. In urban regions of the United States of America, the incidence of SIDS may be as high as two to three deaths for each 1 000 live births (Marlow, 1973). SIDS accounts for 1 000 deaths each year in
References: Caldwell, J. Paul. (1995) Sleep. Toronto: Key Porter Books Limited, pp. 176-179. SIDS, suffocation, asphyxia, and sleeping position. John L. Carroll, M.D. and JDDeCristofaro, M.D., Internet, 1997. Http://sids-network.org/carroll2.htm. What Everyone Needs to Know - Facts about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The SIDS Network, Internet, 1997. Http://sids-network.org/facts.htm. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Information Web Site. The SIDS Network, Internet, 1997. Http://sids-network.org/index.html. Reducing The Risk For SIDS - Some Steps Parents Can Take. The SIDS Network, Internet, 1997. Http://sids-network.org/risk.htm. National SIDS Resource Center - What Is SIDS? The National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Resource Center, Internet, 1993. Http://sids-network.org/sidsfact.htm. Sleep Position and SIDS: Update from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Tom Keens and Carl E. Hunt, M.D., Internet, 1997. Http://sids-network.org/slppos.htm. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - Babies should sleep on their back!!! Wellness Web, Internet, 1997. Http://www.wellweb.com/index/QSUDDEN.HTM. Hug, George. (1979) Section 8.15: Defects in Metabolism of Carbohydrates, Chapter Eight: Inborn Errors of Metabolism. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(Eleventh Edition), Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, pp. 546. Marlow, Dorothy R. (1973) Chapter Thirteen: Conditions of Infants Requiring Immediate or Short-Term Care. Textbook of Pediatric Nursing (Fourth Edition), Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, pp. 359. Williams, Robert L. (1988) Chapter Fourteen: Sleep Disturbances in Various Medical and Surgical Conditions. Sleep Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment(Second Edition), New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., pp. 179-180.