For a diagnosis of SIDS, the cause of death remains unclear even after a complete investigation.
This may include an autopsy, taking a complete medical history, and reviewing the scene of death.
The exact cause of SIDS remains unknown, but researchers have a number of theories.
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A growing body of research suggests that infants who die from SIDS have brain abnormalities or defects since birth.
Scientists describe this using a triple risk model.
Under this model, three factors all have to occur at once for an infant to die from SIDS.
All three factors need to occur for SIDS to be considered the cause of death.
BChE plays a role in the availability of important neurotransmitters in the brains arousal pathway.
Low levels may prevent waking when breathing is disturbed or interrupted.
Risk Factors
No single factor means a baby is at greater risk of SIDS.
Rather, a combination of factors may cause an infant to die of SIDS.
How to Prevent SIDS
Creating a safe sleeping environment is important to prevent SIDS.
Here are some tips to avoid SIDS in babies up to one year old.
Some babies roll onto their stomach on their own.
What if My Baby Rolls Onto Their Stomach on Their Own?
ensure there are no items surrounding the baby that they could roll into and block airflow.
Nothing else but the baby should be in the crib.
You should only bring your baby into your own bed to feed or comfort them.
The baby should be placed on their back in their own bed when you are ready for sleep.
The crib or bassinet should be placed close to your bed.
This can decrease the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
Babies should never be left to sleep on couches, sofas, or armchairs.
This is dangerous for the baby.
If breastfeeding, wait until breastfeeding is going smoothly before trying a pacifier.
Those not breastfeeding can offer a pacifier straight away.
If a pacifier falls out during sleep, you dont have to replace it.
Coping
If you have experienced the loss of an infant, it is important to seek support.
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doi:10.1542/peds.2011-2285
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What causes SIDS?.
Harrington CT, Hafid NA, Waters KA.Butyrylcholinesterase is a potential biomarker for sudden infant death syndrome.EBioMedicine.
