Abstract
Sudden unexpected death among IDDM is a major medical problem. Our experience at Hutzel Hospital shows a very high incidence of SIDS among the IDDM (17/1000). A retrospective study of IDDM was performed to determine if any neonatal factors exist which may predispose to sudden unexpected infant death.
RESULTS: From 9/74 to 9/77 a total of 637 fullterm IDDM weighing at least 2268 g were delivered. Using the criteria previously reported, the severity of neonatal drug withdrawal was assessed: 89% (564/637) had minor to mild (MM) and 12% (73/637) moderate to severe (MS) withdrawal. Two percent (14/637) were later reported to have died of SIDS. A significantly higher number of infants with MS (6/73) died of SIDS compared to those with MM withdrawal (8/564), x2=9.060, p<0.01. Those who died had no significant medical problems during the neonatal period. All died between 4-16 weeks of age: 57% in Winter, 21% in Summer and 21% in the Fall.
CONCLUSION: 1) The frequency of SIDS is higher among IDDM compared to the general population. 2) A significantly higher incidence of infants with MS withdrawal died from SIDS compared to those who had lesser degrees of withdrawal. 3) Since there is a correlation between maternal methadone dose and severity of neonatal withdrawal (J Pediat, April/76), the use of low methadone dosage during pregnancy is strongly recommended.
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Chavez, C., Stryker, J. & Ostrea, E. 235 SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS) AMONG INFANTS OF DRUG DEPENDENT MOTHERS (IDDM). Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 403 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00240
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00240