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SIDS

Decent Essays

Nursing Care of Families
Article title:
“Metabolomic profiling of brain from infants who died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome reveals novel predictive biomarkers”

The cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been poorly understood for years. The definition of sudden infant death syndrome is “the sudden death of an infant less than one year of age that cannot be explained following a thorough investigation”. To better understand the cause, and to predict those at risk, researchers are studying the brain tissue of infants that have passed away from SIDS. Identifying the cause could lead to prevention strategies.

Discussion-
According to the article, most research on SIDS has focused on the brainstem. The medulla oblongata (which …show more content…

I would, however, mention to a family that research is being conducted to better understand SIDS. I would recommend this article to colleagues because nurses often assist with research. The nurse currently teaches families to provide a safe sleeping environment to decrease the incidence of SIDS. Teaching includes having the infant sleep alone, “back to sleep”, keeping the crib free of toys, pillows, and extra blankets.
Incorporation into practice-
Sudden infant death syndrome is terrifying for any parent. It is comforting to know that these deaths may not just be “sudden” or random, like a thief in the night. Researchers are working on identifying why this is happening to infants. I am hopeful that there will be treatment options soon for infants that are at risk. Nurses may be the professionals administering medications, treatments, providing education, and obtaining and interpreting lab values associated with SIDS. In conclusion, there is much left to be understood about sudden infant death syndrome. There is no treatment. So, until there is, nurses will continue to teach families about the few preventive measures that have been helpful in decreasing the incidence of SIDS. And nurses will provide support to families grieving the loss of an infant. Unfortunately, SIDS continues to be a threat to our

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