SUDDEN-INFANT-DEATH-SYNDROME PREVENTION AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF SELECTED CLINICAL ISSUES

The etiology and prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are among the more frustrating topics in pediatrics. This article address es several clinically relevant issues, including the relationships bet ween apnea and SIDS, the nature of the ''terminal event,'' effectivene ss of home monitoring, the role of gastroesophageal reflux in apparent life-threatening events, and the association between the prone sleepi ng position and SIDS. This article is intended to provide the clinicia n with anawareness of the issues and the scientific basis needed to un derstand their contribution to SIDS.