Challenges of Second-hand Smoke: Are We Asking the Right Questions?

Second-hand tobacco smoke as defined by WHO is the smoke emitted by a smoker or released from a burnt cigarette or any tobacco product. It is highly prevalent all over the globe but its serious health implications are often neglected by the public and the scientific community alike. Second-hand smoke has everlasting impact on all the body’s major organs, especially among the vulnerable population of children, pregnant ladies, people with chronic diseases and senior citizens. Although India started its war against this menace earlier than other counties, all its efforts remain bootless as its approach and implementation have a wide range of lacunae. This review aims to give a big picture of second-hand smoke, highlighting its pathophysiological changes in the body, socioeconomic impact, various strategies, and the gap that prevents these strategies from finding a favorable result in India. It becomes all the more important to reduce its impact owing to the increase in prevalence among youth reducing their vitality, derailing the society and the nation. It is recommended that the health authorities approach this health problem with utmost seriousness as a laid-back approach could welcome this silent killer’s known and unknown repercussions

Screening of Genes Co-Associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Infectious Sudden Death in Infancy and Bioinformatics Analysis of Their Regulatory Networks / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#The common differentially expressed mRNAs in brain, heart and liver tissues of deceased sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and infectious sudden death in infancy (ISDI) confirmed by autopsy was screened by bioinformatics to explore the common molecular markers and pathogenesis of SIDS and ISDI.@*METHODS@#The datasets of GSE70422 and GSE136992 were downloaded, the limma of R software was used to screen differentially expressed mRNA in different tissue samples of SIDS and ISDI decedents for overlapping analysis. The clusterProfiler of R software was used to conduct gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING database, while the hub gene was screened by cytoHubba plug-in.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, there were 19 significant differentially expressed genes in the tissue samples of SIDS and ISDI decedents, among which 16 in the heart tissue and 3 in the liver tissue, and the astrotactin 1 (ASTN1) gene expression difference in the heart tissue was most significant. The PPI network identified Ras homolog family member A (RHOA), integrin subunit alpha 1 (ITGA1), and H2B clustered histone 5 (H2BC5) were hub genes. The analysis of GO and KEGG showed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in the molecular pathways of actin cytoskeleton regulation, focal adhesion and response to mycophenolic acid.@*CONCLUSIONS@#ASTN1, RHOA and ITGA1 may participate in the development of SIDS and ISDI. The enrichment of differentially expressed genes in immune and inflammatory pathways suggests a common molecular regulatory mechanism between SIDS and ISDI. These findings are expected to provide new biomarkers for molecular anatomy and forensic identification of SIDS and ISDI.

Malos hábitos de sueño en lactantes: factor de riesgo para síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante: estudio piloto / Bad sleeping habits in infants: risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome: pilot study

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Academia Americana de Pediatría recomienda que los lactantes menores de un año duerman en posición supina para prevenir el síndrome de muerte súbita en lactantes (SMSL). OBJETIVO: Describir la posición en que duermen un grupo de lactantes y factores de riesgo asociados al SMSL. SUJETOS Y MÉTODO: Estudio piloto, prospectivo concurrente, de lactantes < 45 días de vida en control sano en Centro Médico San Joaquín UC Christus. Criterios de exclusión: prematurez (edad gestacional < 37 semanas) y patología de base (respiratorias, metabólicas, cardiológicas). Se aplicó encuesta al cuidador principal respecto a datos demográficos y hábitos de sueño, basada en encuesta BISQ (Brief Screening Questionnaire for Infant Sleep Problems) validada en español, dado la inexistencia de instru mentos para < 3 meses. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo muestra de 100 lactantes de edad 16,78 ± 12,88 días de vida, siendo 57% mujeres. La madre fue el principal informante (84%). El 79% de los lactantes dor mían en decúbito supino, 19% lo hacía de lado y 2% en prono. El 66% dormía en cuna en habitación de los padres, 31% en la cama de los padres. El 74% se quedaban dormidos durante la alimentación. El 28% de los lactantes estaban expuestos a tabaquismo pasivo. El 91% cuidadores estaba informa do sobre la posición segura de sueño, siendo el principal informante el pediatra (54%). CONCLUSIONES: En esta muestra se encontró alto porcentaje de lactantes < 45 días que duermen en posición no segura, siendo frecuente el colecho. Es importante implementar campañas locales de prevención del SMSL que refuercen el hábito de dormir seguro.

INTRODUCTION: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends, through the implementation of the "Back to Sleep (BTS)" campaign, the supine sleeping position for infant sleeping since it prevents to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). OBJECTIVE: To describe the sleeping position of a group of infants and the risk factors associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Prospective pilot study, including infants < 45 days of life in well-child care visits at a medical center. Exclusion criteria: Preterm-born infant (gestational age < 37 weeks) and/or comorbidities (pulmonary, metabolic, cardiologic). A brief parental questionnaire was conducted regarding general demographic data and sleep habits. The questioner was based on the BISQ - Spanish version, due to the lack of validated instruments for infants < 3-month-old. RESULTS: We included a sample of 100 infants between 16.78 ± 12.88 days old (57% girls). Mothers were the main information source (84%). 79% of the infants slept in supine position, 19% slept on their sides, and 2% in prone position. Regarding the place where the infants slept, 66% did in their crib in the parents' room and 31% slept in parents' bed. 74% of infants fell asleep while being fed. 28% of infants were exposed to passive smoking at home. 91% of parents were informed about safe sleep positions, reporting that pediatricians were the main source of information (54%). CONCLUSION: We found a high percentage of infants < 45 days of life who slept in an unsafe position, and frequently co-sleep with their parents. Thus, it is important to implement local SIDS prevention campaigns to reinforce safe infant sleep.

Sudden death due to mitochondrial diseases / 中国实用儿科杂志

Sudden unexpected death means a "healthy" person died suddenly of unknown diseases,usually within 6 hours after onset. It is reported that sudden unexpected death occurred from neonates(sudden infant death syndrome)to adults(sudden adult death syndrome). The patients suddenly died during daily activities,sleep or exercise. Underlying genetic diseases are main cause of sudden death. The etiological studies are performed in the patients of sudden death. Heart attack and encephalopathy due to varied genetic disorders are the two major causes. Sudden cardiac death accounts for more than half. It is known that some inherited metabolic diseases associated with sudden death sometimes. Mitochondrial diseases are a group of inherited metabolic diseases. Some patients of mitochondrial diseases suddenly died of acute heart failure,malignant arrhythmia or encephalopathy. With the advancement of genetic technology,post-mortem genetic diagnosis became available in some cases. The definite genetic diagnosis is the key for the genetic counseling of the families and prenatal diagnosis of their fetuses.

Retrospective Genetic Analysis of 200 Cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Its Relationship with Long QT Syndrome in Korea

BACKGROUND: There has been a campaign by the National Education on Sleeping Habits and Living Environment, to reduce the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, more than 100 infants die suddenly and unexplainably before the age of 1 year in Korea. Long QT syndrome (LQTS), an inheritable cardiac disease, has been reported to likely be associated with up to 14% of SIDS cases. However, genetic studies of the association between SIDS and LQTS have not yet been conducted in Korea. METHODS: We conducted genetic analysis using genomic DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 200 SIDS cases autopsied between 2005 and 2013. We analyzed the following genetic mutations associated with LQTS, KCNQ1, SCN5A, KCNE1, KCNE2, KCNJ2, and CAV3. RESULTS: Of the 200 SIDS cases, 58% involved male infants (116 male and 84 female infants, respectively), the mean age was 140 days (median, 107 days; range, 24–270 days), and they were all of Asian-Korean ethnicity. SIDS IA category criteria comprised 45 cases (22.5%) while the rest were SIDS IB. Fifteen infants (7.5%) had R1193Q in SCN5A, of doubtful pathogenicity, and no pathogenic LQTS variants were observed. CONCLUSION: This genetic investigation of LQTS in SIDS showed a low diagnostic yield. These findings suggest that LQTS molecular autopsy could be cautiously conducted in selected cases with family involvement to improve the available genetic counseling information. Meanwhile, a national SIDS registry should be established to document and evaluate the genetic risk of SIDS in Korea.

Impacto de una intervención educativa para mejorar la adherencia a las recomendaciones sobre sueño seguro del lactante / Impact of an educational intervention to improve adherence to the recommendations on safe infant sleep

Introducción. Las campanas públicas en países desarrollados con recomendaciones para el sueño seguro del lactante lograron aumentar la adherencia a la posición supina para dormir a más del 70% y generaron, simultáneamente, una reducción del 53% en la incidencia del síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante. Objetivo. Valorar el impacto a los 60 días de vida de una intervención educativa realizada en las maternidades para mejorar la adherencia a las recomendaciones sobre sueño seguro del lactante. Población, material y métodos. Estudio de intervención con control histórico entre el 1/2 y el 30/9 de 2014, realizado en la Maternidad Meisner y el Hospital Universitario Austral. Dicha intervención se denominó "tapeta cuna" y consistió en capacitar al equipo de salud y brindar información a las familias sobre sueño seguro a través de clases, adhesivos en las cunas y material escrito. Resultados. Fueron incluidos 550recién nacidos. Se observó un incremento del 35% en la posición supina al dormir tras la intervención (p < 0,0001); la lactancia materna exclusiva se incrementó un 11% (p= 0,01); se redujo el colecho de un 31% a un 18% (p < 0,0005). No se encontraron diferencias en la cohabitación, entre convivientes fumadores ni en la utilización del chupete a los 60 días. Conclusiones. La intervención educativa resultó útil para mejorar la adherencia a las recomendaciones sobre sueño seguro a los 60 días de vida: se evidenció una mejora en la posición supina, la lactancia materna y la reducción del colecho. No existieron cambios en la proporción de convivientes fumadores, la cohabitación y el uso del chupete.

Introduction. In developed countries, public campaigns promoting recommendations on safe infant sleep increased adherence to the supine sleeping position to more than 70% and, at the same time, reduced the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome by 53%. Objective. To determine the impact, at 60 days of life, of an educational intervention conducted in maternity centers aimed at improving adherence to the recommendations on safe infant sleep. Population, material and methods. Intervention study with historical control conducted between February 1st and September 30th of 2014 at the Maternity Center of Hospital Meisner and Hospital Universitario Austral. The intervention was called "crib card" and consisted in training health care team members and providing families with information on safe infant sleep by means of lessons, written material and using stickers on cribs. Results. Five hundred and fifty newborn infants were included. After the intervention, a 35% increase in the supine sleeping position (p < 0.0001) was observed; exclusive breastfeeding increased by 11% (p= 0.01); and co-sleeping decreased from 31% to 18% (p < 0.0005). No differences were observed in relation to bedroom sharing, living with tobacco users, or pacifier use at 60 days of life. Conclusions. The educational intervention was useful to improve adherence to the recommendations on safe sleep at 60 days of life: using the supine position and breastfeeding improved, and the rate of co-sleeping decreased. No changes were observed in the number of household members who smoke, bedroom sharing, and pacifier use.

Muerte súbita del lactante / Sudden infant death

El síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante (SMSL) consiste en la muerte inesperada de un infante menor de un año, la cual no puede ser explicada posterior a las investigaciones del caso, tales como: la anamnesis, la escena de la muerte, y la autopsia. La relevancia de este padecimiento radica en que es un fenómeno presente a nivel mundial, y es la principal causa de muerte en lactantes de 1 a 12 meses de vida. Debido a la importancia del tema, la presente investigación pretende realizar un acercamiento bibliográfico, que aborda terminología especializada; estudios de epidemiologia a nivel mundial; diversos factores de riesgo y su prevención; además del algoritmo de manejo de SMSL basado en las guías españolas de pediatría y las guías de SMSL de Massachusetts.Cabe destacar que el diagnóstico de esta muerte es de exclusión y requiere una investigación exhaustiva para poder dilucidar sus causas. Así mismo, el SMSL ha sido asociado a diferentes factores de riesgo que pueden desencadenar este evento en niños con susceptibilidad genética o adquirida, los cuales en la mayoría de los casos pueden modificarse y prevenirse educando a los padres, y a los proveedores de la salud. Debido a que el médico general, y el pediatra son los primeros profesionales en abordar al lactante y a sus familiares, es imperativo que ambos tengan conocimiento del tema en cuestión, no solo para la prevención de estos casos, sinopara el abordaje correcto en el caso que se presente una muerte súbita infantil.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden death of an infant less than 1 year of age that cannot be explained after a thorough investigation is conducted, including the review of the clinical history, the examination of the death scene, and an autopsy. This condition is relevant because is a worldwide phenomenon, and it is the leading cause of death in infants between 1 to 12 months. Due to the importance of this subject, this research tries to make a bibliographic review that includes specialized terminology, worldwide epidemiology studies, risk factors, how to prevent it; and the approach, based on the Spanish and Massachusetts guidelines.The diagnosis of SIDS is based in the exclusion of causes, and requires a thorough investigation to elucidate them. Also, SIDS has been associated with different risk factors that can trigger this event in children with genetic or acquired susceptibility, which in most cases can be modified and prevented by educating the parents and the health care providers. Because the physician and the pediatrician are the first professionals to have contact with the infant and their families, it is imperative that both have knowledge of this subject, not only for the prevention of such cases, but for the correct approach in these cases.

Development of an Infants' Sleep Health Program Using a Video for SIDS Prevention Education and Measurement of the Program's Effects

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to develop an infant sleep health education program using a video for SIDS prevention education and to measure the effects of the program. METHODS: The infant sleep health education program consisted of presentations and motor images. The formation of educational material was directed by the systematic design of instruction. Participants in this study were 59 primiparous women from postpartum care centers. The instruments used in this study were criterion referenced test items for knowledge about infant sleep health and confidence inventory. Experimental group I was given the treatment of infant sleep health education program. Experimental group II was given the program using a video reinforcement after 2 weeks. On the other hand, control group was given no treatment. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in knowledge and confidence in the performance of mother's roles of both experimental group I and experimental group II over the control group. No significant difference was founds for knowledge and confidence in the performance of mother's roles between experimental group I and II. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that this program is a very effective intervention for better sleep health in infants by helping the mothers increase confidence in their role performance.

Evaluación de la adherencia a las recomendaciones para disminuir el riesgo de Síndrome de Muerte Súbita del lactante / Adherence to recommendations to reduce the risk of Sudden infant Death Syndrome

Introduction: Recommendations for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) are available, although it is uncertain the degree of adherence to these measures. The aim of the study is to assess the adherence to recommendations to reduce the risk of SIDS, seeking factors associated to the noncompliance with these recommendations. Patients and Method: 468 infants were enrolled in two maternity hospitals, one public and one private. Postpartum and 4-month assessments were performed. A questionnaire was used adapting a model validated by the International Child Care Practices Study. Results: Adherence to obstetric recommendations was higher (75.4%) than to pediatric recommendations (53.3%). Regarding pediatric recommendations, a compliance decrease was detected after 4 months. Follow-ups showed decrease in breastfeeding (p < 0.001 84.9% vs 48.6%) and supine position (61.2% vs 21.2%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The decreased adherence to recommendations for SIDS prevention was mainly observed in younger and less educated women, who were not in a relationship and living in poor housing quality and crowded environments.

Introducción: Existen recomendaciones preventivas en el Sindrome de Muerte Súbita del lactante (SMSL), aunque es incierto el grado de adherencia a dichas medidas. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la adherencia a las recomendaciones para disminuir el riesgo de SMSL, buscando factores asociados al no cumplimiento de dichas recomendaciones. Pacientes y Método: Se incluyeron 468 recién nacidos de dos maternidades, pública y privada. Se efectuó una evaluación posparto y a los 4 meses de la adherencia a las recomendaciones. Se utilizó un cuestionario adaptando un modelo de encuesta validado por el International Child Care Practices Study Resultados: La adherencia a las recomendaciones obstétricas fue mayor (75,4%) que a las recomendaciones pediátricas (53,3%). A su vez en las recomendaciones pediátricas se evidenció una caída del cumplimiento de las recomendaciones a los 4 meses. Al seguimiento se observó reducción de lactancia (84,9% vs 48,6%; p < 0,001) y de posición supina (61,2% vs 21,2%; p < 0,001). Conclusiones: La disminución de la adherencia a las recomendaciones para la prevención del SMSL se observó principalmente en las mujeres de menor edad y menor nivel educativo, no estar en pareja, mala calidad habitacional y presencia de numerosos convivientes.

Síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante: revisión del tema desde una perspectiva médico forense / Syndrome of sudden infant death syndrome: review of the issue from a perspective medical examiner

El síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante es sin duda alguna uno de los trastornos más misteriosos en la historia de la medicina. Aún hoy en día no contamos con una teoría científica convincente que permita explicar de una manera clara estas muertes. Desde una perspectiva médico forense es de suma importancia para el patólogo forense el contar con un conocimiento claro sobre el manejo de este tipo de casos y como diferenciarlo de otras entidades, incluyendo el abuso infantil, porque será él, como perito, el que tendrá en última instancia la responsabilidad de emitir el diagnóstico final. Debido a la importancia de este tema la cual se ha incrementado en años recientes debido a sus implicaciones legales, se considera importante una revisión de los aspectos más relevantes sobre el manejo de esta patología.

Sudden infant death syndrome is undoubtedly one of the most mysterious disorders in the history of medicine. Even today we don`t have a convincing scientific theory to explain these infant deaths. From a forensic point of view, it is very important for the forensic pathologist to have a clear knowledge of how to manage these type of cases and how to differentiate it from other entities, including child abuse, because it will be him, as an expert, who will ultimately have the responsibility of giving the final diagnosis. Given the importance of this topic which has increase in recent years due to it´s legal implications, it is important to make a review of the most relevant aspects of the management of this syndrome.

Nidos de contención para recién nacidos y riesgo de muerte súbita del lactante / Newborn sleep positioners and sudden infant death syndrome risk

La incidencia de muerte súbita del lactante disminuyó con las primeras campañas de prevención, desde 1992. En la actualidad, aumentaron las muertes infantiles por sofocación, asfixia o atrapamiento, algunas relacionadas con el uso de nidos, posicionadores o almohadillas laterales para la cuna. Los medios de comunicación y los fabricantes debieran respetar las recomendaciones sobre sueño seguro, pero la fabricación, publicidad y venta de objetos que pueden afectar la seguridad de los niños carece de fiscalización. Se enfatiza la importancia de los profesionales de la salud en la difusión de las recomendaciones actuales para prevenir la muerte infantil durante el sueño.

The rate of sudden infant death decreased after the publication of the first guidelines regarding infant sleep position and safe environment in 1992. From 2005 onwards, infant deaths by suffocation, choking or entrapment have increased. Some of them were associated with wedges, positioning devices, and bumper pads. Media and manufacturers should follow safe sleep guidelines in their messaging and advertising, but there is a lack of control over this. We emphasize the important role of health professionals in disseminating the recommendation for a safe infant sleep environment.

Sleep Position and Infant Care Practices in an Urban Community in Kuala Lumpur

Several modifiable risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) have been identified such as sleeping prone or on the side, sleeping on a soft surface, bed-sharing, no prenatal care and maternal ante-natal smoking. A crosssectional survey of infant sleep and care practices was conducted among parents of babies aged below 8 months to determine the prevalence and predictors of non-supine sleep position and the prevalence of other high-risk infant care practices for SIDS. Of 263 infants, 24.7% were placed to sleep in the non-supine position and age of infants was a factor positively associated with this (adjusted odds ratio 1.275, 95% CI=1.085, 1.499). The most common modifiable risk factor was the presence of soft toys or bedding in the infants’ bed or cot (89.4%). Results from this study indicate that although the predominant sleep position of Malaysian infants in this population is supine, the majority of infants were exposed to other care practices which have been shown to be associated with SIDS.

Prevalence of epilepsy and seizure disorders as causes of apparent life- threatening event (ALTE) in children admitted to a tertiary hospital / Prevalência de epilepsia e crises epilépticas como causa de eventos com aparente risco de vida (ALTE) em crianças internadas em hospital terciário

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and describe clinical characteristics of seizure disorders and epilepsy as causes of apparent life- threatening event (ALTE) in children admitted at the emergency and followed in a tertiary hospital. METHOD: Cross-sectional study with prospective data collection using specific guidelines to determine the etiology of ALTE. RESULTS: During the study, 30 (4.2 percent) children admitted to the hospital had a diagnosis of ALTE. There was a predominance of males (73 percent) and term infants (70 percent). Neonatal neurological disorders and neuropsychomotor development delay were found respectively in 13.4 percent and 10 percent of the cases. Etiological investigation revealed that 50 percent of the cases were idiopathic, and 13.4 percent were caused by epilepsy or seizure disorders. Although all patients had recurrent ALTE events, epilepsy had not been previously suspected. CONCLUSION: Epilepsy should be included in the differential diagnosis of ALTE, particularly when events are recurrent.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência e características clínicas de crises epilépticas e epilepsia como causa de eventos com aparente risco de vida (ALTE) em crianças atendidas na emergência e acompanhadas em hospital terciário. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal com coleta prospectiva de dados através de protocolo específico para identificação da etiologia de ALTE. RESULTADOS: Foram diagnosticadas 30 crianças com ALTE perfazendo 4.2 por cento das crianças internadas no período do estudo. Houve predominância no sexo masculino (73 por cento) e em neonatos a termo (70 por cento). História prévia de doenças neurológicas no período neonatal e atraso no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor ocorreram respectivamente em 13.4 por cento e 10 por cento dos casos. A investigação etiológica identificou 13.4 por cento dos casos relacionados a epilepsia ou crise convulsivas e 50 por cento idiopáticos. Apesar destes pacientes terem apresentados episódios recorrentes em nenhum caso havia a suspeita prévia de epilepsia. CONCLUSÃO: Ao investigar pacientes com ALTE a possibilidade do diagnóstico de epilepsia deve ser fortemente considerada principalmente nos casos recorrentes.

Consideraciones específicas para el entendimiento del Síndrome de Muerte Súbita del Lactante / Specific considerations for understanding the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome / Consideracões especificas para o entendimento do sindrome de morte subita do lactante

El síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante (SMSL) es un desorden complejo y multifactorial, sobre el cual no están plenamente entendidas sus causas. Avances recientes en investigación relacionada con genética molecular y patofisiología desarrollada en víctimas de este síndrome, muestran que este, como todas las demás condiciones humanas en salud y enfermedad, representa la confluencia de factores de riesgo ambientales específicos que interactúan con vías metabólicas complejas. La presente revisión analiza las condiciones generales necesarias para comprender este síndrome.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a complex, multifactorial disorder, the cause of which is still not fully understood. Recent advances in research related to molecular genetics and pathophysiology performed in victims of SIDS show that this, like all other human conditions in health and disease represents the confluence of specific environmental risk factors interacting in complex metabolic ways. The present review analyses the general conditions needed to understand this syndrome

A síndrome de morte súbita do lactante (SMSL) é uma desordem complexo e multifatorial, sobre o qual não estão plenamente entendidas suas causas. Avanços recentes em investigação relacionada com genética molecular e patofisiológica desenvolvida em vítimas desta síndrome mostram que este, como todas as demais condições humanas em saúde e enfermidade, representa a influencia de fatores de risco ambientais específicas que interatuam com vias metabólicas complexas. A presente revisão análise as condições gerais necessárias para compreender este síndrome

Maltrato infantil y síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante: estrategias para el diagnóstico diferencial / Child abuse and sudden infant death syndrome: strategies for differential diagnoses

Las causas de muerte inesperada en el lactante son diversas, y en este grupo se pueden incluir las ocasionadas en el síndrome del niño maltratado (SNM). Cuando no se precisa la etiología del deceso después de un análisis exhaustivo de la historia clínica, la autopsia y la escena de la muerte, se puede hablar del síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante (SMSL). El SNM es una realidad creciente a nivel mundial. El maltrato físico, un tipo de SNM, puede ocurrir en formas tan sutiles o graves que causen la muerte del menor. Se ha reportado que de 3.5 a 5% de casos diagnosticados como SMSL correspondieron a SNM. En México sólo se ha mencionado esta asociación, pero no se ha precisado su verdadera frecuencia. La similitud en los antecedentes familiares y sociales, y los hallazgos clínicos iniciales que existen en ambas entidades nosológicas, complican el logro de un diagnóstico correcto. En este ensayo se señalan los avances clínicos y la utilidad de la autopsia para establecer un diagnóstico certero. El seguimiento de un algoritmo preciso para el análisis de estos pacientes, permitirá evitar errores en el diagnóstico y un manejo legal inadecuado de los mismos.

In the last 2 decades there has been an alarming increase in violent behavior which has resulted in severe injuries to children, that is, child abuse (CA). There is a large number of forms of child aggression, physical abuse being one of them (PHA). While it is not the most common, it may be the cause of severe bodily and emotional harm; it may present as a subtle event or as major aggression which could be fatal. The sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is an unexpected and sudden occurrence for which no clinical nor autopsy explanation can be given. There are reports on the possible relation between PHA and the CA based on the fact that between 3.5 and 5% of the cases of SIDS are actually instances of CA. The incidence of this problem in Mexico is not known. Given the great similarity of family and social history as well as initial clinical findings in both settings, the accurate diagnosis is very difficult. In order to make an accurate diagnosis between these 2 conditions, we propose in this paper a specific approach to be followed by every professional involved in child care, especially by those who handle cases of violence in this age group.

A survey of infant sleep positions associated with sudden infant death syndrome / 소아과

PURPOSE: As the prone position is thought to be an important factor in sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS), this study was conducted to contribute to reducing SIDS by analyzing sleeping positions of infants. METHODS: A face-to-face questionnaire was carried out with a total of 170 parents with a baby aged less than 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 170 infants included 95 males(55.9 percent) and 75 females(44.1 percent); their average age was 2.8 months. 45.3 percent slept in a supine position; 34.7 percent in a side or supine position; 7.1 percent in a side position; 4.7 percent in a prone position; 4.1 percent in a non-specific position. Among those in a side position, 59.7 percent were in a supine position in the morning; 19.5 percent were in the side position; 13.4 percent were in a non-specific position; and 4.1 percent were in a prone position. To the question why they slept in a specific position, 34.9 percent answered their baby slept comfortably, and particularly, 42.9 percent in the prone position group answered so. In the supine position group, 21.6 percent answered they had no reason. Both in the prone position and side position groups, 21 percent each answered they were worried about the shape of their baby's head. In the side position group, 22 percent answered that they had a fear of choking due to vomiting. In all sleeping position groups, 8.2 percent and 7.4 percent answered it was because they had a fear of suffocation and they wanted to avoid SIDS, respectively. CONCLUSION: Many of the parents preferred unstable positions, e.g. the side position and the prone position, which could cause SIDS. Their decision on their baby's sleeping position was not based on exact medical knowledge, but on convenience in taking care of their baby. As it was found that only 6 percent of the subjects were advised from their pediatrist about their baby's sleeping position, moreover, it is necessary to carry out more studies and activities for preventing SIDS caused by improper sleeping positions and educating patents about recommended sleeping positions for their baby.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Sudden Child Death Syndrome / 대한법의학회지

In 1969, the International Conference proposed a definition of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): the sudden death of any infant or young child which is unexpected by history and in whom a thorough necropsy fails to demonstrate an adequate cause of death. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development redefined SIDS in 1989, requiring death scene investigation with age restriction under 12 months. These definitions, however, are not adequate for the countries having under-organized medico-legal system. In South Korea, no mandatory or customary complete medico-legal investigation is not performed in the sudden child death cases, including autopsy. As a consequence, SIDS can be diagnosed as 'unknown 'by non-pathologists. Even in autopsy cases, the pathologists can not collect proper medical history by themselves. Furthermore, scene investigation is just performed by police or omitted. Age in SIDS is a controversial problem in both upper and lower limit. So the authors concluded that the above two definitions of SIDS are not agreeable with the country such as South Korea. We proposed a new concept of sudden child death syndrome (SCDS), which means 'the sudden death of any infant including neonate with good condition after birth, or young child which reveals no definite cause of death by inspection or autopsy ', for the purpose of not unreasonable diagnosis and adequate research in the countries having under-developed postmortem investigation system.

Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy: Analysis of 34 Cases Including 13 Autopsies

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the epidemiologic characteristics of sudden unexpected death in infancy and to evaluate the importance of postmortem autopsy. METHODS: We reviewed, retrospectively, medical records of 34 infants admitted to Kangnam General Hospital from January 1987 to December 2001 because of sudden unexpected death. We investigated the cause of death through medical history, death scene examination, autopsy findings, acylcarnitine and organic acid analysis. RESULTS: Among the total 34 infants, 18 were male(52.9%) and 16 were female(47.1%). Thirty infants(88%) were below the six months of age. Winter was the most affected season(38.2%). Eighteen infants(52.9%) died between 6 and 12AM. The prone sleeping position was observed more frequently than the supine position at death; nine cases in the prone position, six cases in the supine position. The cause of death of 23 cases could not be found by only history and death scene examination. Autopsy was done in 13 cases. Seven cases of them were thought to be SIDS. In six cases, we explained the cause of death with autosy findings. They were an endocardial fibroelastosis, a nesidioblastosis, a subdural hematoma, a bronchopneumonia and two fatty changes of liver. Metabolic screening tests performed in three cases to rule out metabolic disorder since 2000 were all normal. CONCLUSION: We concluded that autopsy and metabolic screening test should be performed to find out the cause of death in sudden unexpected death in infancy.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

The definition of sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant that is unexpected by history and cannot be explained by a full postmortem examination including a review of medical history, investigation of the scene of death, and a complete autopsy. Recently, the possibility of occurrence of SIDS after immunization has been suggested. These speculations raised a public awareness as well as apprehension about immunization. SIDS is rare before 1 month of age, with a peak incidence at 2~4 months of age, and 95% of all cases occur by 6 months of age. There are many epidemiological factors associated with an increase of risk for SIDS, such as prone sleep position, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and inborn errors of metabolism However, immunization, which has recently become an issue in SIDS, has no relation to SIDS. The DTaP vaccine in particular, is given during the peak occurrence age of SIDS, which probably led to such misunderstandings. According to an epidemiological data on SIDS in Korea, the estimated incidence of SIDS in the year 1996 was 0.31 in 1,000 live births (male, 0.33 and female, 0.29) with 216 cases per year. The lower incidence of SIDS in Korea than in the United States, European countries, or Japan is probably due to the lack of a surveillance system and public cognition for SIDS. In the present, without established causes for SIDS, public education about the prevention of SIDS is more important than anything. Also, an efficacious surveillance system for SIDS is essential to prevent and decrease its incidence.

Evaluation of Child Care Practice Factors That Affect the Occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Interview Conducted by Public Health Nurses

We examined the child-rearing environmental factors that affect the occurrence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) using a nationwide survey. Infants who died due to SIDS between January 1996 and June 1997 in Japan were identified from death certificates. Controls of the same gender, birthplace, and birth months as the corresponding SIDS were chosen from birth certificates. Interviews of both cases and controls were undergone in January and February, 1998 by public health nurses. The following child-rearing factors exhibited a significant relationship with the occurrence of SIDS: Concerning the sleeping position, the prone position was associated with increased risk compared with the supine position, with an odds ratio of 3.02 (95% c.i. 2.07~4.65). Regarding the feeding method, artificial feeding alone demonstrated a higher risk than breast feeding alone, with an odds ratio of 4.92 (95% c.i. 2.78~9.63). With regard to smoking, infants with both parents who smoked exhibited a higher risk than infants where neither parent smoked, with an odds ratio of 3.50 (95% c.i. 1.74~8.32).