EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
Kids' Health
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A young mother set her 2-month-old son down for a nap, never suspecting that it would be the last time she would see him alive. Without a second thought, she left the room to pick up a ringing telephone. Upon returning to check on him, she discovered he was no longer breathing. Frantically, she dialed 911 and began CPR. At the hospital, doctors and nurses struggled to revive him, but to no avail. Reeling with devastation and loss, she held her lifeless son, sobbing the question, “Why?” But no reason could be found. The only explanation was hat her son had died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the sudden, unexpected death of a child under one year of age, which remains unexplained by autopsy. The above story typifies the devastating experience, a tragedy that strikes without warning, and with no evidence of the baby having been harmed or having experienced pain or suffering. SIDS is currently the third -eading cause of death in infants, 1 month to 1 year old, causing 2,500 deaths per year in the U.S. Most deaths occur in babies between 2 and 4 months of age. A higher rate is noted in male infants and among African-Americans and Native Americans. An increased incidence is reported during the winter, peaking in the month of January. Although the cause of SIDS is unknown, scientists believe there may be multiple contributing factors. Current research is studying possible links to a variety of causes, among which are genetic mutations that cause the baby to have difficulty waking up or sensing carbon dioxide buildup, and alpha fetoprotein levels during gestation. No association has been demonstrated between childhood immunizations and SIDS. High-risk infants are those with low birthweight, premature birth, or a sibling who died of SIDS. Exposure to tobacco, cocaine, or heroin during gestation, and to tobacco smoke after birth, increases the risk of the disease. Babies who sleep on their stomachs are up to 12.9 times more likely to die from SIDS than those who sleep on their backs. Higher rates are also noted among babies born to teen mothers, particularly in the second or next baby she delivers. To reduce the risk of SIDS, see a doctor as early in your pregnancy as possible. Following a healthy diet and avoiding smoking and drug use during pregnancy lowers the risk of premature birth, which in turn helps prevent SIDS. After birth, it is very important to always lay the baby on his or her back, and to never expose the baby to cigarette smoke. The baby’s mattress should be firm, and there should be nothing else in the crib with the baby (i.e. no comforter, pillows, toys, stuffed animals, bumper pads, or blankets). Do not overclothe the baby. Avoid pregnancy during teenage years. Teenagers who already have a baby should take care to not get pregnant again. Breastfeeding and avoiding exposure to sick individuals decreases the likelihood the baby will catch an infection, which may decrease the risk of SIDS. Preventive measures have helped drop the annual rate of SIDS by 50% in the last 20 years. But until the day when no further SIDS deaths occur, unfortunate families will continue to suffer this crushing loss. Parents and families who have suffered this tragedy need tremendous support. The elimination of this disease will only be possible through ongoing research and preventive education, and with the efforts of individuals and communities across our country. Dr. Richelle K. Marracino is a family practice physician based in the Inland Empire. RESOURCES • American SIDS Institute, 800.232.SIDS, www.sids.org. • Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs, 800.369.7437, www.asip1.org. • CJ Foundation, 888.8CJ.SIDS, www.cjsids.com. • National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center, 866.866.7437, www.sidscenter.org. • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 800.370.2943, www.nichd.nih.gov/sids/sids.cfm. |
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