10/27/08

SIDS

SIDS, a primary cause of death in infants before the age of one year, is not well understood.  But parents can take steps to prevent it.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS is an unexplained cause of death occurring in infants when they are sleeping.  Dr. Tracy Milbrandt, assistant professor of pediatrics at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains some possible causes of SIDS.

SOUND BITE:   “ . . . a lack of oxygen to the brain that causes them to stop breathing and to die.  But what we don’t know is why some babies are more prone to this than others and there is some research that’s indicating that perhaps it has to do with brain stem function and the production and regulation of serotonin levels .  .  .”

SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants between the age of one month to one year and it claims the lives of about 2,500 infants each year in the U.S.  Dr. Milbrandt says babies should be placed on their backs when put to sleep.  She suggests some additional ways to protect babies from SIDS.

SOUND BITE:  “Mothers should not smoke during their pregnancy and babies should not be exposed to second-hand smoke.  Mother who can breast feed – that has found to be protective as well.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no co-sleeping for the first 12 months of life, which means either in bed or a couch or chair with any adult.  Babies should sleep in either their own crib or basinet and it’s actually safer to have that crib or basinet in the parent’s room.  They should have a firm mattress, tight-fitting sheets, no pillows, blankets or stuffed animals . . .”

If parents are looking for more information about SIDS, Dr. Milbrandt recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control Web sites.  Or talk to your child’s physician.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.