Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the leading causes of unexpected death in infants, often leaving parents and caregivers without answers. This guide explains what SIDS is, explores its risk factors, and statistics, and provides a practical guide on how to perform infant CPR. Learning infant CPR is vital in responding to emergencies and potentially saving a child's life.
What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, commonly referred to as SIDS, is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under the age of 1. SIDS often occurs during sleep, leading it to be colloquially known as "crib death" or "cot death". Unlike fetal deaths caused by suffocation or other identifiable accidents, SIDS remains mysterious because no specific cause is found after a thorough investigation.
SIDS is unpredictable and occurs without warning, often leaving parents and caregivers with overwhelming grief and confusion. While the exact cause of SIDS remains elusive, experts agree that a combination of factors plays a role.
Who Is at Risk for SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) affect any infant, but certain factors increase the risk of unexpected infant deaths. While the exact cause of SIDS is still unknown, research has identified several groups that are more vulnerable. Here are key risk factors:
- Age: Risk peaks at 1–4 months of age, with the vast majority of cases occurring before 6 months. It is rare after 8 months.
- Preterm Birth: Infants born prematurely or with low birth weight are more likely to have underdeveloped respiratory and nervous systems, which make it harder for them to regulate breathing and heart rate.
- Gender: Male infants are slightly more likely to die of SIDS than females, though the reasons for this remain unclear.
- Infant Death Syndrome Gene: Siblings of infants who died from SIDS have a higher risk, about 3–4 times greater. Genetic factors may contribute, but cousin risk has not been proven
- Season: Historically, SIDS was more common in the winter, but recent data show this pattern is less consistent.
- Ethnic and Socioeconomic Factors: Certain ethnic groups, such as African American and Native American infants, have higher rates of SIDS compared to Caucasian infants. Additionally, families from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are often at greater risk due to less access to healthcare, education, and resources.
What are the Risk Factors of SIDS?
Risk factors include prematurity or low birth weight, male sex, exposure to tobacco smoke, unsafe sleep environments, and racial/ethnic disparities. Rates are higher among American Indian/Alaska Native and Black infants.
How is SIDS Diagnosed, and What Differentiates It from Other Causes of Infant Death?
SIDS is diagnosed based on the absence of a known cause after a thorough investigation. When an infant dies unexpectedly during sleep, the following steps are typically taken to rule out other causes:
- Autopsy: A complete autopsy is performed to check for underlying medical conditions, infections, or other factors that could explain the sudden death in infancy.
- Death Scene Investigation: A detailed examination of the death scene, including the infant’s sleeping environment and the circumstances surrounding the death.
- Medical History Review: A review of the infant's medical history and family background to identify any potential risk factors.
SIDS is classified as an "unexplained death" because, after all investigations, no identifiable cause is found. This sets it apart from other causes of infant death, such as accidental suffocation, infections, or congenital conditions, which are clearly diagnosed.
Statistics of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has become less common in recent decades, largely due to increased awareness and the implementation of safer infant care practices. Despite this progress, SIDS continues to affect many families worldwide. Global statistics show that SIDS accounts for a significant proportion of sudden infant deaths, with rates varying by country based on public health initiatives, access to healthcare, and cultural factors.
According to the CDC, about 1,529 infants died from SIDS in 2022, out of approximately 3,700 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) in total. These numbers vary from year to year.
How to Perform CPR on Infants in Cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?
Performing CPR on an unresponsive infant, due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), requires quick and precise actions. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Check responsiveness and breathing (≤10 seconds): Gently tap the infant’s foot and call their name. If there is no response and the infant is not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR.
- Call for help: If someone else is present, have them call 911 and get an AED. If you are alone and do not have a phone, perform about 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call emergency services.
- Open the airway: Place the infant on a firm surface and use a gentle head-tilt–chin-lift to open the airway. Avoid overextending the neck.
- Give rescue breaths: Cover the infant’s mouth and nose with your mouth, or use a mask. Deliver each breath over 1 second, just enough to make the chest rise.
- Start chest compressions: Place two fingers in the center of the chest just below the nipple line. Push down about 1.5 inches (4 cm), or one-third the chest depth, at 100–120 compressions per minute. Perform 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (30:2).
- If two rescuers are present: Use the two-thumb encircling technique and switch to a 15:2 compression-to-breath ratio, alternating roles to reduce fatigue.
- If a pulse is present but no breathing: Provide 1 breath every 2–3 seconds (20–30 per minute) and recheck the pulse every 2 minutes.
- Use an AED if available: Apply pediatric pads if possible and follow the prompts, continuing CPR until EMS arrives.
If the infant regains signs of life, place them in a safe recovery position and seek immediate medical evaluation. Continue to monitor closely until help arrives.
