Near-Miss Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Clinical Findings and Management

Abstract

The clinical findings for 73 infants with near-miss sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) diagnosed from 1980 to 1984 are presented. Infants who were found apparently dead and who required vigorous stimulation or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to revive them were said to have near-miss SIDS. The most common finding was apnea, often with pallor. A repeat episode requiring resuscitation occurred in 30 (41%) infants. Six (8%) had multiple episodes requiring resuscitation. Two infants (3%) died. Prediction of subsequent attacks or outcome was impossible on clinical grounds. The controversy of definition, relationship to SIDS, and treatment is discussed.