The Death of SIDS

Abstract

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is an overly broad classification bin for sudden unexplained infant deaths. SIDS has become a “diagnostic” phrase that encompasses unidentified, disease-related causes of death, deaths likely due to accidental asphyxia, and possibly unrecognized homicides. There is a prevailing false concept that SIDS is a “real” and discrete diagnostic entity rather than a phrase that signifies an inability to state why an infant has died. This has been perpetuated by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10), which recognizes SIDS as a “cause” of death. We propose simplified, unambiguous language for the death certificate in cases of sudden unexplained infant death. We propose changes to ICD-10 nomenclature and vital statistics tabulation practices of the National Center for Health Statistics (a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to end the use of SIDS as a diagnosis.