Press Release - 13th April 1998


Sudden Unexpected Death in babies and young children rose dramatically in 1997.

The number of sudden, unexpected deaths in infants and young children In Ireland rose dramatically from 45 in 1996 to 69 last year, the Irish Sudden Infant Death Association announced today (8th March 1998). Since 1995 the figures have been rising which is a reversal of the trend experienced from 1989 to 1994 and this is extremely worrying according to Ms. Bernadette Kiberd, Head of ISIDA's National Sudden Infant Death Register.

The provisional SIDS (cot death) figure of 1.4 / 1000 live births for 1997 is over 70% higher than the figure for 1996 (0.8/ 1000). Since the establishment of ISIDA's National SID Register in 1992, 276 children have died suddenly and unexpectedly. While in general terms the SIDS rate is lower today than a decade ago the return of a rising trend is cause for concern, Professor Tom Matthews, Chairman of ISIDA's Scientific Advisory Committee said. These figures clearly tell us that SIDS is far from a problem solved and we must intensify our research work to resolve this baffling phenomenon.

While we cannot explain the reason for the increase in the past two years, for five consecutive years (1992-1996)the data shows that parental smoking, unemployment and medical card status were evident in greater proportions among SIDS families than national average figures. Furthermore, the rising trend in the proportion of preterm and low birthweight babies among SIDS cases requires further investigation.

"Each month at least five children die suddenly and unexpectedly and often without explanation. SIDS (Cot Death) remains the leading cause of death in children aged four weeks to one year. Children from birth onwards are affected, although the majority (80%) die in the first six months of life.

By and large parents are aware of the guidelines issued by ISIDA and the DOH to reduce the risk of a Cot Death, however there is room for improvement in the area of parental smoking and exposure to passive smoking" says Micheal O Doibhilin, Chairman of ISIDA. `He went on to remind parents to follow the three guidelines to reduce the risks of cot death, namely:

  • Do not smoke during pregnancy and around children.
  • Avoid making babies too warm during sleep.
  • Place babies on their backs to sleep.
Mr. O'Doibhilin also appealed for donations to fund the work of ISIDA in the areas of research and support. "We need more money to help stop this tragedy occurring and to help those affected by it" he said.

Later this year ISIDA will publish findings from a series of research projects conducted over the past three years which will strengthen the information available to parents and professionals.

Media Queries: 087 - 423777
01 - 8732711 (phone)
01 - 8787696 (fax)
email: kibnsidr@iol.ie

Media Notes:
The Irish Sudden Infant Death Association (ISIDA) is a voluntary organisation, founded in 1976, that:
  • offers support to families bereaved by sudden infant death and to others affected by it;
  • provides information on sudden infant death to parents, professionals, the media and the public at large;
  • promotes and supports research into the causes and prevention of sudden infant death;
  • raises funds to support the above.


ISIDA services include:
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), commonly called Cot Death is defined as

'the sudden death of an infant or young child which is unexpected by history and in which a thorough post-mortem examination fails to demonstrate an adequate cause of death'.

ISIDA,
Carmichael House
4 Nth Brunswick Street
Dublin 7
Phone: (01 ) 8732711
Fax: (01) 8726056
e-mail: kibnsidr@iol.ie