Can risk factors for over-heating explain epidemiological features of sudden infant death syndrome?
Sudden infant death syndrome is characterized by a number of epidemiological features that have defied simple explanation. Overheating is believed to play a role in its causation. Overheating can be caused by changes in heat production, changes in insulation of the infant, or changes in the external environmental temperature. Risk factors may influence any of these variables. A model is proposed which links risk factors for overheating to the epidemiological distribution of sudden infant death syndrome. This model might account for the frequently reported association between formula-feeding and sudden infant death syndrome.
Wells
J C
JC
Infant and Child Nutrition Group, Dunn Nutrition Unit, Cambridge, UK.
D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D005334:Fever / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008954:Models, Biological; D012307:Risk Factors; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000453:epidemiology*