10/13/09

SIDS

SIDS, a primary cause of death in infants before the age of one year, is not well understood by medical experts.  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, says the exact cause of SIDS has not been determined, but she suggests it may be a combination of things including a genetic susceptibility.

SOUND BITE:  “. . . . we do know that a lack of oxygen plays a strong role in babies who die from SIDS.  Perhaps their brain stems may have a slightly lower serotonin level that don’t respond to lower oxygen levels to tell their brain to keep breathing.”

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 explains some risk factors for SIDS which can help parents be more aware.

SOUND BITE: “. . . We know that babies who are born premature and are born with a low birth weight are at risk.  For those moms who smoke during pregnancy, the risk is three times greater that their babies will die from SIDS.  And for those who smoke after a birth around their children, it’s about 2½ times higher.  Additionally, we know that babies who are put to sleep on their tummies are more likely to die from SIDS . . .”

Dr. Milbrandt says babies should be placed on their backs when put to sleep.   If parents are looking for more information about SIDS, she 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.