Sudden Infant Death

Front 1

causes of sudden infant death

Back 1

1. SIDS
2. infxs: meningitis, sepsis, encephalitis, pneumonia, botulism
3. Cardiac: myocarditis, congenital heart dz, arrhythmis
4. Aspiration or airway obstruction
5. trauma
6. inborn error of metabolisms
-vast majority are due to natural causes!

Front 2

SIDS

Back 2

- Sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant, under one year of age, that remains unexplained after the performance of a thorough post-mortem evaluation including
-autopsy
-review of medical hx
-and a death scene investigation

Front 3

SIDS incidence

Back 3

-3rd leading cause of postnatal death (1mo -1 yr)
-AA and Native americans have 2-3x's incidence
-sharing same sleep surface is higher risk

Front 4

CDC research

Back 4

-decline in SIDS is offset by increasing rates of:
1. cause unknown
2. other SUD (suffocation, wedging, overlaying)
-accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed

Front 5

Risk factors for SIDs

Back 5

1. sleep position other than back
2. smoking: 1 or both parents
3. URI
4. risks: sofas, blankets, pillows, other children
5. prematurity
6. bedsharing

Front 6

infant apnea

Back 6

-“an unexplained episode of cessation of breathing for 20 seconds or longer, or a shorter respiratory a pause associated with bradycardia, cyanosis, pallor, and/or marked hypotonia.”

Front 7

apnea monitoring and SIDS

Back 7

-Studies have shown that apnea is not predictive or a precursor to SIDS
-Given the lack of evidence that home cardiorespiratory monitoring has any impact on SIDS, prevention of SIDS is not an acceptable indication for home cardiorespiratory monitoring.

Front 8

SIDs risk reduction

Back 8

1. place infants on their backs for every sleep
2. use a firm sleep surface
3. keep soft and loose objects and bedding out of infant's sleep enviorment
4. avoid commercial sleep position devices
5. consider offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime
6. avoid over heating
7. encourage 'tummy time'

Front 9

safe sleep enviornment

Back 9

1. firm, flat sleep surface
2. use of crib or portable crib
3. no pillows, sheepskins, fluffy comforters, blanket rolls, bumper pads or burp rags
4. no stuffed toys
5. no waterbeds
6. Avoid use of blankets that can cover the baby’s face; instead dress the baby in layers under blanket sleeper in cold weather
7. Position infants “feet-to-foot” if blankets are used

Front 10

why does the back sleep position make a difference

Back 10

-less potential for rebreathing
-less moving around the sleep area
-prone position increases quiet sleep, reduces response to arousal stimuli, alters control of autonomic cardiac function

Front 11

"tummy time"

Back 11

-while awake and supervised helps develop upper body strength and prevent flat spots on the baby's head
-can being as soon as they come home from the hospital
-Limit time baby spends in swings, bouncy chairs, car seats, and other devices.

Front 12

pacifiers

Back 12

-studies have shown that there is a reduced risk of SIDS with pacifier use
-introduce pacifier after 1 month of age to ensure breastfeeding is firmly established

Front 13

environmental temp

Back 13

-too much clothing, heaving bedding and a room that is too warm may inc the risk of SIDS
-Avoid overheating and overbundling with too many blankets -- Especially important when infant is ill
-dress the baby as you dress yourself- in layers

Front 14

bed sharing

Back 14

-baby shares the same sleep surface as caregiver
Hazards:
1. entrapment, overlaying
2. risk of suffocation when parent has used alcohol or meds that causes drowsienss
3. risk increases when moms and dads are: smokers, extremely tired, obese

Front 15

manifestations of nml grief

Back 15

1. feelings
2. physical sensations
3. cognitions
4. behaviors

Front 16

complicated grief

Back 16

- Occurs as part of individual grief reactions or as result of prior unresolved losses. May also result when:
-Life circumstances present unusual demands: unemployment, incarceration, homelessness, relocation
-Relationships present challenges: unstable partnerships, stressful family dynamics
-Coping may be compromised by mental illness, addiction or domestic violence in immediate or extended family