[Current aspects of the sudden infant death syndrome]

SIDS is the most frequent cause of death in infancy outside the neonatal period. The pathogenesis of the disease is not clearly understood. Risk factors associated with SIDS can be defined. At present, the hypothesis of apnoea plays a major role in the pathogenesis. Findings show a central nervous dysfunction with an interruption of brain stem regulation of respiratory and cardiac function. In an emergency, the physician must carry out appropriate measures. Prophylaxis is possible in infants at risk. The active involvement of parents plays a decisive role in the prophylaxis of SIDS.