[Sudden death syndrome in infants]

The literature data on the so-called sudden death syndrome (SDS) in children are presented. Theories interpreting this condition from epidemiological, morphological, microbiological, immunological, physiological and biochemical positions are discussed. SDS is thought to be an abstract notion including various definite pathological conditions which are thus far difficult to interpret from nosological positions. A possible role of unfavourable constitutional factors in the SDS genesis, particularly under conditions of virus infection conducive to their manifestation is suggested.