The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

[摘要] Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as “crib death,” is a major cause of infant mortality after the first month of life. The incidence of SIDS in the United States is estimated to range from 7400 to 10,500 deaths per year. The exact cause of the syndrome remains unknown, but data from carefully conducted epidemiologic studies carried out over the past five years have helped to identify the population most at risk and in the process have yielded important observations of possible underlying mechanisms and relationships to its occurrence.The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, one of the National Institutes of Health, is embarking on an expanded research program aimed at solving the problem of the sudden infant death syndrome. Seven emphasis areas are identified for investigation:1. 1. Developmental neurophysiology as it may relate to the sudden infant death syndrome with particular emphasis on abnormal sleep patterns associated with autonomic disturbances which may interfere with vital functions.2. 2. Respiratory-cardiovascular responses to stimuli, such as hypercapnia and hypoxia, and unusual vagal effects in relation to susceptibility to the sudden infant death syndrome.3. 3. Problems related to the developmental aspects of thermodynamics and relevant ambient conditions which may be associated with the sudden infant death syndrome.4. 4. Abnormal perinatal development of immune response mechanisms with emphasis on the relationship of deficits in immunologic competence as a predisposing factor in the occurrence of the sudden infant death syndrome.5. 5. Psychologic processes experienced by parents, other relatives, and the community in association with the occurrence of a sudden infant death.6. 6. Epidemiology of the sudden infant death syndrome.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）