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Sudden infant death syndrome: A narrative review

Abstract:

The definition of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected death of a child before 12 months during sleep and no cause is found during postmortem evaluation through autopsy, complete medical history, and review of the place of the event. Its incidence varies depending on the population studied and also on whether this region has received recommendations in reference to the child’s sleep habits. Its pathogenesis has been discussed over the years and today different theories are managed, one of them is the immaturity of the respiratory system to respond to excitatory stimuli correctly during sleep, however, the different theories do not provide answers by themselves to these unforeseen events, but must be associated with risk factors that condition an environment conducive to occur, within these are prematurity, sleeping position, lying in bed with other people, elements about the place where the child sleeps with whom he has contact, maternal alcoholism during pregnancy, smoking at home, among others. Similarly, protective factors have been found, including breastfeeding, pacifier use, and an adequate sleeping position. Therefore, it is essential that the family be instructed by the attending doctor during pregnancy and after the birth in which they are told how to put the child in bed and thus considerably prevent the development of this syndrome.