Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Prematurely Born Infants

摘要

Prematurely born infants are at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), particularly if slept prone. The increased risk (odds ratio) of SIDS for term born infants in the prone compared to the supine position is 13.9, but 48.4 in prematurely born infants. The Back to Sleep and similar campaigns have successfully promoted supine sleeping with a corresponding decrease in SIDS rates. Yet, some babies, including those born prematurely, are still being slept prone at the high risk age for SIDS.