Modern view on the causes and prophylaxis of sudden infant death syndrome

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a poorly studied problem of infant age, one of the causes of death in the post-neonetal period and still remains a diagnosis by exclusion. The article presents literature data on the SIDS terminology and frequency in certain regions of the world. The information is given on explicable and inexplicable causes of this state, the polyethiological, multifactor nature of SIDS, developed against the background of increased sensibility associated with the immature nervous, endocrinal and immune systems. The modern data are presented referring to the role of hereditary background and infection, the participation of a number of neurotransmitters in SIDS development, the significance of modified risk factors, and the character of patho-anatomic conclusions. Prophylactic measures are described, which can be taken by doctors and parents to prevent SIDS development.