The Voice of Southwest Louisiana October 2018 Issue

SWLA health, wealth & wellness Inform, Educate, Empower
Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome
SIDS
By Charles “Charlie” Hunter, Jr. (F-ABMDI)
Chief Investigator
Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office
Southwest Louisiana Safe Sleep Task Force
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,
or SIDS, is explained as the sudden
or unexplained death of an infant
(usually under one year of age) that
remains undetermined following a
complete death scene investigation,
review of the medial records, complete
autopsy, and toxicology/microscopic
studies. To date, there is no definitive
cause of SIDS and it cannot be predicted
or prevented. However, several SIDS risk
factors have been identified through the
course of investigations surrounding SIDS
related deaths. These risk factors, which
are supported by the American Academy
of Pediatrics, include the prone (belly
down) sleeping position, soft surfaces/
bedding, exposure to cigarette smoke
(both during and after pregnancy),
low birth weight, less than 18 months
between births, and bedsharing.
Ways to reduce SIDS risk factors include
breastfeeding, utilizing a pacifier to
sleep, do not overheat during sleep, and
simply follow the ABC’s of safe sleep.
The ABC’s make sure the infant sleeps
Alone, on their Back, and in a Crib. The
crib should be empty with only a fitted
sheet with no bumper pads, blankets, or
stuffed animals.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
is a well-known cause of death in
infants and is the most commonly
used term used to describe these
deaths. You are right in saying Calcasieu
Parish has the highest rate in the state;
however, these are not SIDS related
deaths. Calcasieu Parish leads the
state by 1.5 times in preventable infant
deaths. These are those deaths due
to an unsafe sleep environment. With
any death of an infant, a complete and
thorough examination is conducted as
well as an autopsy and both toxicology
and microscopic studies. A scene
investigation requires completing the
Sudden Unexplained Infant Death
Reporting Form (SUIDI) developed by
the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as
well as performing a doll re-enactment.
After all of these are completed the
determination of SIDS or an unsafe/
improper sleeping environment is
determined.
In those deaths where there are no
signs of illness/injury, no documented
medical history, normal test results, and
no unsafe sleep environments identified;
those deaths are commonly classified as
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Most commonly, the investigation
reveals several SIDS risk factors (which
several are also unsafe/improper sleeping
environments) and evidence of either
overlaying or suffocation. Overlaying
is defined as one or more individuals
preventing the air exchange necessary to
maintain life and suffocation is defined
as a factor such as bedding, wedges, etc.
that prevents the air exchange necessary
to maintain life. The most common
misconception regarding infant deaths is
that all deaths are related to SIDS when
most deaths are completely preventable
due to an unsafe/improper sleeping
environment.
Our area has the Southwest Louisiana
Safe Sleep Task Force to help support
family in southwest Louisiana with
any support needed. The Calcasieu
Parish Coroner’s Office has partnered
with the National Cribs for Kids
Initiative to provide portable pack n’ play
cribs to families that need a safe sleep
environment for their infant. Monthly
classes are held for new and expectant
parents, caregivers, and grandparents
that educate about Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome and unsafe sleep
environments. There are also multiple
Community Baby Showers as well as the
annual Stroll & Roll event to promote
awareness.
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October 2018 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 6 • Number 3