Objetivo
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, (SIDS) is a major cause of infant mortality but rates vary in different parts of Europe, eg a very low rate has been reported in Hungary.
The original Concerted Action is harmonizing protocols and co-ordinating a network of case/control enquiries in 14 centres in 11 European countries. By combining data from these studies and meta analysis exploiting differences between countries, the project will obtain scientific data to improve the effectiveness of child health care.
Specifically, risks associated with pronation and other current practices of putting infants to sleep will be examined. Also the study will reassess previously known risk factors eg socio-economic status, maternal age, party and history of infection in pregnancy and infancy, parental smoking, sex, low birth weight etc.
By extending CA Eastern Europe we will obtain data on the true incidence tate of SIDS, increase the range of socio-economic conditions and infant care practices covered by the survey and expand and enhance the study of the way risk factors interact.
Based on these results, the extension will lead to an increased understanding of SIDS and campaigns to reduce the risk of SIDS in Eastern Europe.