Infants who die in shared sleeping situations differ from those who die while sleeping alone

Abstract

Aim To determine whether there are differences between infants who are sharing a sleeping surface with others, compared to those who die alone. Methods A literature review was undertaken of PubMed and Google Scholar databases using search terms: sudden infant death syndrome, SIDS, co‐sleeping and overlaying. Results Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the sex ratios, and in staining of brain sections for β‐amyloid precursor protein (β‐APP), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labelling (TUNEL). There were also higher numbers of nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs) in the peripheral blood of infants who died while co‐sleeping. Conclusion The results demonstrate differences between infants who are sharing a sleeping surface with others, compared to those who die alone. It is likely, therefore, that lethal mechanisms for some shared sleepers are not the same as for SIDS infants sleeping alone, and may involve suffocation.

Knowledge assessment of sudden infant death syndrome risk factors in expectant mothers: A prospective monocentric descriptive study

“…Although the mechanisms underlaying SUDI aren't totally understood and are still subject of exploration (4)(5)(6), medical research has highlighted a triple risk model that increases the risk of death (7). This model associates: a period of physiological maturation at risk with, in particular, the development of respiratory control, heart rate, and sleep; various respiratory diseases, especially infectious, cardiac, respiratory, responsible for an overstimulation of the immune system; an inappropriate environment related to sleeping conditions, smoking or ambient temperature.…”

Highlights in this issue

“…Growing evidence suggests that infants who die while sleeping with others differ from infants who die sleeping alone. A mini‐review by Collins‐Praino and Byard reports that neuropathological studies have indicated that babies who died while sleeping alone showed evidence of repeated episodes of brain injuries. In contrast, infants who died while sharing sleeping surfaces, such as their parents’ bed, appear to have experienced a more rapid death, consistent with overlaying.…”

Infant suffocation while breastfeeding

“…An important development in recent years, however, has been the demonstration that infants who die in shared sleeping situations are different epidemiologically and pathologically to those who die on their own i.e. classic SIDS deaths [7]. The male to female ratio is similar in shared sleepers demonstrating that for some reason there is a significantly higher number of girls than typical SIDS populations [8].…”