title: SIDS--a developmental neurological perspective.
abstract: Most SIDS deaths occur between 2 and 4 months of age. Neural transformations may be important in SIDS. Evidence of delayed myelination has been found in SIDS victims. However a simple neuro-developmental model is insufficient to explain SIDS. The age of death profile is reportedly similar for pre-term and full-term SIDS victims. Another developmental change is that IgG levels are lowest when SIDS risk peaks, and there is data linking SIDS and infections. Prone position may also increase risk. While a developmental model emphasizing neural transformation is useful, other factors affect risk also.
authors.affiliation: SIDS Institute, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21228.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: O'Brien
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009420:Nervous System / Q000254:growth & development*; D011187:Posture; D012307:Risk Factors; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000209:etiology*