SIDS
Also written as: SIDS — Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
The sudden unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant, typically during sleep.
Full Definition
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant less than one year of age, with onset of the fatal episode apparently occurring during sleep, that remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history. SIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion and represents the most common cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age in developed countries. The peak incidence occurs between 2-4 months of age. Risk factors include prone sleeping position, exposure to tobacco smoke, overheating, and bed-sharing. The implementation of safe sleep campaigns has significantly reduced SIDS incidence since the 1990s.
Usage
Usage note: Requires exclusion of other causes of death through complete investigation.
In Context
- "The autopsy revealed no anatomical cause of death, supporting a diagnosis of SIDS." — Autopsy report
- "Death scene investigation was consistent with SIDS, with the infant found in a supine position." — Coroner's report