Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected death of a healthy infant, usually during sleep, without a clear cause even after a thorough examination. BRUE or Brief resolved unexplained event is a new term that has replaced the previously used term ALTE (Apparently life-threatening event). The algorithm not only provides recommendations for prevention but also helps a physician who has not encountered this condition before to better understand the situation and respond appropriately. Giving emphasis on recognizing risk factors, the correct approach to examination of the infant, and educating parents about prevention.
Review
The algorithm is clearly structured, with an engaging interactive format. All presented data reflect the current state of knowledge in the field of acute medicine for the respective patient categories. A sufficient number of references to professional sources are provided, and the algorithm summarizes a practical approach to managing acute situations among infants. It serves as a suitable educational resource for students and junior doctors.
Sources
MATĚJŮ, E., 2009. SIDS a CAN. Brno: Ústav soudního lékařství LF MU a FN u sv. Anny.
BLÁHOVÁ, K., FENCL, F. and LEBL, J., 2019. Pediatrická propedeutika. Praha: Galén.
IVANOVÁ, K. and OLECKÁ, I., 2021. Kumulativní efekt sociálních rizikových faktorů u kojenců zemřelých udušením. Česko-slovenská pediatrie, 75, p. 458–464.
KOMYŠÁKOVÁ, M., NOVOTNÝ, V. and OBERMANNOVÁ, B., 2023. Brief resolved unexplained event (brue). Česko-slovenská pediatrie, 78(6), p. 295–297.
ORLÍČKOVÁ, J., ZEMAN, M., VOJTÍŠEK, T. and SLABÝ, O., 2022. Význam molekulární pitvy v soudním lékařství. Časopis lékařů českých, 2022(5), p. 207–211.
SHAPIRO-MENDOZA, C.K., WOODWORTH, K.R., COTTENGIM, C.R. et al., 2023. Sudden unexpected infant deaths: 2015–2020. Pediatrics, 151(4). DOI:10.1542/peds.2022-058820.
KEYWAN, C., YOUNG, H., JONES, M. et al., 2021. Genetic factors underlying sudden infant death syndrome. The Application of Clinical Genetics, 14, s. 61–76.
Learning targets
The student is familiar with factors that increase the risk of BRUE and SIDS.
The student knows diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the case of BRUE.
The student is aware of lifestyle measures needed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Key points
The main risk factors for SIDS include genetic predisposition, the family’s socioeconomic status, perinatal and early postnatal risks, and external environmental factors.
Preventive measures and awareness of these risk factors can significantly reduce the risk of SIDS.
BRUE (Brief Resolved Unexplained Event) is characterized by a spontaneous change in breathing, including episodes of apnea, cyanosis or pallor, and altered muscle tone, requiring increased clinical vigilance.
Related algorithms
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