Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

1Sudden Infant Death SyndromeConcept: OxygenationBy:Cathy B. Herbert, RN, MSN

2ObjectivesBy the end of this module students should be able to: 1. Describe the clinical manifestations and risk factors associated with infants whose death was diagnosed as due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) 2. Develop a teaching plan for caretakers to prevent the death of infants due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

3DefinitionDef.: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death (after other possible causes have been ruled out), usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy infant. Sometimes referred to as crib death because the infants often are found dead in their cribs.

4CAUSESCauses: 1)Brain stem abnormalities that control respiratory and autonomic stressors during sleep so that arousal from sleep does not work properly; 2) respiratory infection; 3) prone or side-sleeping and bed sharing; 4) critical developmental period within first 6mos. of life; 5) covert homicide

5Risk Factors/ InfantGestation: Premature/low birth weight babies or being part of multiple birth increase risk for developing SIDSSex: male infants are more likely to die of SIDSAge: infants are most vulnerable during the second and third months of life

6Risk Factors/Infant (cont)Race: for reasons not well understood, Black, American Indian and Eskimo infants are more likely to develop SIDSFamily history: infants who have had siblings or cousins die of SIDS are at higher risk of SIDS themselves

7Risk Factors / MaternalMother under the age of 20Mother who smokes cigarettesDrug or alcohol useInadequate prenatal care

8Clinical ManifestationsThere are no warning signs or early clinical manifestations to indicate a baby will die of SIDSHistory of upper respiratory infectionFirst symptom is cardiopulmonary arrestClinical findings after death: evidence of a struggle or change of position; presence of frothy, blood-tinged secretions from mouth and nose; most deaths are unobserved

9PreventionPlace infants on their back to sleep-insist on it!Select bedding carefully- firm mattress; avoid thick fluffy padding; Avoid overheating infant- use light blanket and do not cover infants headAvoid overheating sleeping roomInfant should sleep aloneOffer a pacifier

10Prevention (cont.)Avoid exposing infant to infectionBreast feed if possible

11Nursing DiagnosesKnowledge deficit related to risk factors associated with SIDSEnhanced parenting related to preventive measures associated with SIDSGrievingCompromised family copingRisk for spiritual distress

12Coping and SupportSupport: Loss of a child is devastating.Reassure parents they are not at faultSibling reactionReferral to support groups: First Candle http://ww.firstcandle.org

13Review Questions1. Which child has increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)? a. A neonate born at 32 weeks weighing 4 lb b. A 2 -year-old with a broken arm c. A first-born child d. An infant hospitalized with a temperature of 103 degrees F

142. Which position is recommended for placing an infant to sleep? a. Supine position b. Side-lying position c. Prone position d. With the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees

153. Which activity should be recommended for long-term support of parents with an infant who has died of sudden infant death syndrome? a. Attending support groups b. Discussing feelings with family and friends c. Attending counseling sessions d. Attending church regularly

16Answers 1. A 2. A 3. A

17