Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexpected death of an infant that remains unexplained after a thorough investigation, including a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history. It occurs in approximately 1 in 2,000 infants, most commonly between 1 and 3 months of age. Risk factors include exposure to tobacco smoke, alcohol or illicit drugs during pregnancy, prone or side sleeping, bed-sharing, soft bedding, overheating, and recent viral infection. Protective measures include placing infants to sleep on their backs, breastfeeding, routine immunization, and pacifier use during sleep.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology