[Risks of sudden death in siblings]

The risk of sudden infant death among siblings has long been overestimated: in all epidemiological studies the risk of recurrence remains at 1% or below, thereby excluding a hereditary hazard. Compared with the general population, the risk is increased in only a small percentage of families which can be detected (familial gastrooesophageal reflux or vagal hyperreflexibility, psychosocial problems and, more rarely, hereditary pathology). In the vast majority of families the relative risk is not objectively augmented. In all cases counselling of the parents is necessary for them to accept a new child.