Sudden infant death syndrome and subsequent siblings.

Studies indicate that at least 98 (SIDS) in subsequent siblings, summarizes the results of percent of all subsequent SIDS siblings will have a normal outcome. While the data regarding a single SIDS occurrence can be viewed as encouraging, 2 percent mortality is not trivial. Parents of SIDS siblings are in need of appropriate counseling and support. In the unfortunate case of subsequent sibling SIDS deaths, the mortality rate may be as high as 18 percent. Regretably, all attempts at prospective identification of infants destined to die of SIDS have proved futile. The development of a prospective screening test has been hindered by insufficient understanding of the specific cause or causes of SIDS. Attention, thus, has been directed at the development of effective home intervention. Cardiorespiratory monitoring has been identified as one means of home intervention, and a comprehensive support program has resulted in the successful home monitoring of many infants at high risk for SIDS. Studies aimed at making prospective identification a clinical reality continue. Accordingly, we must persist in our efforts to provide support to parents who have experienced one of life's worst tragedies.