Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - Diagnosis



The diagnosis of SIDS is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. That means that all other possible causes of death are first ruled out. If no other cause of death can be found, then SIDS may be diagnosed.

Congenital anomalies

Pre-term/Low birthweight

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Problems related to complications of pregnancy

Complications of placenta, cord, and membrane

Accidents

Perinatal infections

Pneumonia/Influenza

Intrauterine hypoxia and birth asphyxia

Source: Monthly vital Statistical Report, 46, no. 1, Supplement, 1996. (Reproduced by permission of Stanley Publishing)

Certain diagnosis of SIDS can be made only with an autopsy. An autopsy is a medical examination of a dead body. In about 20 percent of all SIDS cases, an autopsy shows a specific cause for death, such as suffocation. Parents sometimes reject the idea of having an autopsy on their baby, but the procedure can help explain how the baby died. Knowing the actual cause of death can help parents understand that the baby's death was no fault of their own.

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