Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Implantation of Electroencephalogram and Electrocardiogram Telemetry Devices in Neonatal Rabbit Kits
Published on: February 28, 2025
[Prevalence of sudden death syndrome among children]
Pablo E Brockmann1, María Angélica Oyarzún, Luis Villarroel
1División de Pediatría, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Insights
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SD) remains a significant concern, with a 23% reduction observed in Chile between 1997 and 2009. However, SD rates in Chile are still higher than in North America and Europe.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SD) is the primary cause of mortality in infants under one year old.
- Despite research, the exact causes of SD remain unclear.
- Chilean infant mortality data from 1997-2009 was analyzed.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of SD in Chilean infants.
- To track changes in SD rates over recent years.
Summary:
- 1442 cases of SD were identified, with most deaths occurring before six months of age.
- The overall SD mortality rate was 0.45 per 1000 live births.
- A 23% decrease in SD cases was noted from 1997 to 2009, with higher rates in southern Chile.
Impact:
- Chilean SD rates exceed those in North America and Europe.
- While rates have decreased, further reductions are necessary to reach optimal levels.
Background:
The sudden infant's death syndrome (SD) is the leading cause of death in children under one year. Despite advances in its study, the pathogenesis has not been yet fully elucidated.
Aim:
To assess the prevalence of SD in Chilean infants and its changes in recent years.
Material And Methods:
Review of birth and death databases of the Ministry of Health from 1997 to 2009. All cases diagnosed as SD, according to the lnternational Classification of Diseases, 10th edition, were selected. A demographic analysis was performed and mortality rates for each year were calculated.
Results:
We identified 1442 cases of SD (847 males, 517 deaths at home). The median age of death was 2 months (0 to 11.0 months). Ninety six percent of deaths occurred in children aged <6 months. Mortality rate for SD was 0.45/1000 live births. There was a 23% reduction between 1997 and 2009. When analyzing geographic distribution, more cases were found in the Southern latitudes of the country.
Conclusions:
The overall rate of SD in Chile is higher than in European countries and in North America. The observed decrease in cases over the years is still far from optimal.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
