How common is repeat SIDS? 

12 June 2007

Statement on the paper by C.J. Bacon et al ‘How common is repeat sudden infant death syndrome?’ published online in the Archives of Disease in Childhood on 12 June 2007

The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) welcomes this review of eight studies of repeat Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

FSID hopes that this review will reassure bereaved parents that the chance of suffering a repeat sudden and unexplained death is low, especially in families where no major risk factors, such as a smoker in the household, are present.

FSID stresses that it is very important that all infant deaths are investigated carefully and comprehensively, following a multi-agency protocol such as that proposed in Sudden unexpected death in infancy: a multi-agency protocol for care and investigation (1), to ensure that we continue to learn all we can about the causes of sudden infant death.

Media enquiries:
Nicola Peckett, Communications Manager, 020 7227 5212 or out of hours 07981 899 827

(1) Sudden unexpected death in infancy: The report of a working group convened by The Royal College of Pathologists and The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, chaired by The Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, report published September 2004.


Notes to editors:
The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is the UK’s leading baby charity working to prevent sudden deaths and promote infant health. FSID funds research (nearly £10 million to date), supports bereaved families, promotes baby care advice, and works to improve investigations when a baby dies.

FSID runs a Helpline (020 7233 2090) for parents and professionals seeking advice on safe baby care. The Helpline also supports bereaved families.

 

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