Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Medical History

The medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of sudden infant death syndrome.

Family history

  • What is the general health of your family members?
  • Are there any diseases in your family that are common?
  • Are there any hereditary diseases in your family?

Social history

  • What is your profession?
  • Are you unemployed?

Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • Finding situation:
    • Where was the child sleeping? In a separate bed in the bedroom? In your bed?
    • In what position did the child sleep? Prone, side or supine position?
    • How was the child covered? Thick blankets?
    • What was the temperature of your bedroom?
  • Has the child ever been unconscious? Has he or she had respiratory failure?
  • Has the child been breastfed?

Vegetative anamnesis incl. nutritional anamnesis.

  • Is your child vaccinated according to current vaccination recommendations?
  • Do you or your partner smoke? If so, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day? Did you smoke during pregnancy?
  • Do you drink alcohol more often? If yes, what drink(s) and how many glasses of it per day?
  • Do you or your partner use drugs? If yes, which drugs and how often per day or per week? Did you use drugs during pregnancy?

Self history incl. drug history.

  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Operations
  • Radiotherapy
  • Vaccination status
  • Allergies
  • Pregnancies
  • Environmental history
  • Medication history