Sudden Unexplained Infant Deaths and Day of Life 0.

Abstract

* Abbreviations: SIDS — : sudden infant death syndrome SUID — : sudden unexplained infant death Fifty years ago, an extraordinary group of pathologists, pediatricians, and epidemiologists met to address the limited research and numerous diagnoses applied to unexplained, largely sleep-related pediatric deaths. Their efforts led to the identification of a new category of disease, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Among the observations fueling the creation of the category was the relative sparing of neonates despite what should be increased vulnerability in the early days of life. When Dr Bruce Beckwith, the conference’s leader, asked whether anyone doubted this age-related sparing, not a single objection was raised.1 Yet, humility about what was not yet known led to broader diagnostic criteria of “any infant or young child.” Years later, SIDS was redefined as pertaining to infants <1 year of age.2 Still later, when classification practices scattered because of objections about the concept of SIDS and the varied use of alternative terminologies, the composite of sudden unexplained infant death (SUID) came to stand in.3 In this issue of Pediatrics , big data concur with the pioneering thinkers and draw the demarcation at 1 week. In “Distinct … Address correspondence to Richard D. Goldstein, MD, Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115. E-mail: richard.goldstein{at}childrens.harvard.edu