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sudden infant death syndrome
(redirected from Sudden Infant Death)

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sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or crib death, sudden, unexpected, and unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant under one year of age (usually between two weeks and eight months old). SIDS accounts for 10% of infant deaths and is the second highest cause of death (after accidents) in infancy. The risk is higher in males, in low-birth-weight infants, in lower socioeconomic levels, during cold months, and for babies who sleep face down.

Causal theories suggest that the infant may have immature or hypersensitive lungs, may have a defect in brain-stem control of breathing, or may be rebreathing carbon dioxide. Recent studies have shown persistent high levels of an infant form of hemoglobin hemoglobin , respiratory protein found in the red blood cells (erythrocytes) of all vertebrates and some invertebrates. A hemoglobin molecule is composed of a protein group, known as globin, and four heme groups, each associated with an iron atom.
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 in babies with known risk factors for the condition.

SIDS victims are thought to have brief episodes of apnea (breathing stoppage) before the fatal one. An alarm system that detects breathing abnormalities is sometimes used with infants suspected of being prone to SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that babies be laid to sleep on their backs or sides.


sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

 or crib death

Unexpected death of an apparently well infant. It occurs almost always during sleep at night and usually at 2–4 months of age. Sleeping facedown and exposure to cigarette smoke have been implicated. It is more common in cases of premature birth, low birth weight, and poor prenatal care. Many cases that would once have been labeled SIDS prove to be due to suffocation in bedding or overheating. Some babies who die of SIDS have been found to have brain stem abnormalities that interfere with their response to high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.


sudden infant death syndrome [′səd·ən ′in·fənt ¦deth ′sin‚drōm]
(medicine)
The sudden and unexpected death of an apparently normal infant that remains unexplained after the performance of an adequate autopsy. Abbreviated SIDS. Also known as crib death; sudden death syndrome.


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The academy recommends babies sleep on their backs without fluffy bedding or pillows to reduce the risk for sudden infant death syndrome.
The term sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) was introduced in 1969 as a recognised category of natural death that carried no implication of blame for bereaved parents.
Byline: ANI Washington, Aug 17 (ANI): More than one third of photos in magazines geared toward women often portray infants in unsafe sleeping positions, possibly increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to a new study.
 
 
 
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