A recent analysis published in JAMA Network Open indicates that rates of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers examined U.S. mortality data from 2018 to 2021 and found a total of 14,308 cases of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), which encompasses deaths of infants under one year old.
Among these, deaths attributed to SIDS, which typically occur during sleep, were included in the analysis. The study revealed that beginning in July 2020, there was a noticeable rise in SUID cases, with a significant uptick observed between June and December 2021.
The study highlights that the monthly rates of SUID increased by 10 to 14 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels. While the exact reasons for this surge in sudden infant deaths remain uncertain, researchers speculate that the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced these rates in various ways. Although direct correlations with COVID-19 hospitalizations were not established, the researchers suggest that the pandemic’s impact on healthcare access, social networks, and childcare may have played a role in increasing SUID risks.
Another potential explanation offered by the researchers is the alteration in transmission patterns of respiratory infections during the pandemic. Early in the pandemic, stringent public health measures were implemented, leading to a reduction in the spread of respiratory diseases.
However, by 2021, as many restrictions were lifted, there was a marked increase in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) even during its typical offseason. This rise in RSV cases closely corresponded with the observed increase in SUID rates, indicating a possible connection between respiratory infections and sudden infant deaths.
Co-author Erich Batra, an associate professor of pediatrics, noted that while the factors contributing to SUID and SIDS are not fully understood—whether they are genetic or otherwise—there is a possibility that infections such as RSV could exacerbate vulnerabilities in infants predisposed to SUID. This suggests a complex interplay between respiratory infections and the increased risks of sudden infant death, warranting further investigation into the matter.
In light of these findings, the researchers emphasize the need for additional studies to explore the potential links between respiratory infections and sudden infant death. They also remind parents to adhere to safe sleeping practices for infants, such as placing them on their backs to sleep, avoiding soft bedding, and refraining from bed-sharing.
Previous research indicates that over three-quarters of sudden infant deaths involve multiple unsafe sleeping practices, underscoring the importance of awareness and preventive measures in safeguarding infant health.
