Considering abuse in SIDS

Findings that raise suspicion for abuse include malnutrition or neglect and injuries to the skin such as bruising, traumatic lesions, and abnormalities of the head and/or body. In the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Policy on Distinguishing SIDS from Child Abuse Fatalities, it is stated that the death of an infant may be attributed to SIDS Read More...

SIDS: Physical/Autopsy Findings

Three common autopsy findings in the pathophysiology of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are unclotted blood in the heart, intrathoracic petechiae (small red spots inside the thoracic cavity caused by bleeding), and fluid-filled heavier organs. Other findings that are consistent with SIDS include the following: Serosanguineous watery, frothy, or mucous-like drainage from the mouth or nose; Reddish-blue Read More...

SIDS: Causes & Risk Factors

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is typically associated with a period of sleep, and in most cases no signs of distress are apparent. Some of the causes of SIDS include low birth weight, recent respiratory infection, side or stomach sleeping, sleeping on a soft surface, hyperthermia, and sleeping with parents. Research examination of the brain stems of Read More...