Open AccessENT Aspects of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Author(s) -
Marom Tal,
Cinamon Udi,
Castellanos Paul,
Cohen Marta
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599812451426a336
Subject(s) - sudden infant death syndrome , medicine , etiology , otorhinolaryngology , autopsy , intensive care medicine , pediatrics , head and neck , medline , pathology , surgery , political science , law
Objective To address sudden infant death syndrome from the otolaryngologist’s perspective, describe relevant pathologies, discuss controversies, and suggest preventive measures in high‐risk populations. Method A MEDLINE search and hand search were conducted to identify reports published between 1969 and 2011 in the English language on the pathophysiology of SIDS related to the head and neck organs. Search terms included SIDS (MeSH term), SIDS and pathophysiology (text words), and SIDS and autopsy (text words). Results A growing number of reports suggested head and neck organ involvement in SIDS autopsies. Laryngeal, oropharyngeal, maxillofacial, otologic, cervical vascular abnormalities, and infectious etiologies were recognized and discussed. Conclusion Otolaryngologists should be aware of relevant pathologies, as some are treatable, if identified early enough in infancy. A proactive risk‐management approach is warranted in infants presenting with certain abnormalities reviewed here.