SUID Rate Rose During the COVID-19 Pandemic

TOPLINE:

Rates of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the most significant rise observed in 2021.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study using US mortality data from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• A total of 14,308 cases of SUID were analyzed, including deaths classified as SIDS, unknown cause, and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.
• Researchers assessed the monthly differences in the rate of SUID during and before the COVID-19 pandemic.
• They also analyzed monthly differences in the rate of SIDS before and during the pandemic, with outcomes reported as intensity ratios (IRs).

TAKEAWAY:

• The risk for SUID increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (IR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.05-1.07).
• The risk for SIDS was also higher during the pandemic (IR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.08-1.12).
• The risk for SUID increased beyond pre-pandemic levels starting in July 2020, with a significant shift from June to December 2021 (ranging from 10% to 14%).
• The rate of SIDS increased throughout the pandemic vs pre-pandemic period, with the most significant increase in July 2021 (IR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.13-1.22) and August 2021 (IR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.13-1.22).
• Seasonal changes in hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) correlated with monthly changes in SUID observed during 2021.

IN PRACTICE:

“These findings support the hypothesis that off-season resurgences in endemic infectious pathogens may be associated with SUID rates, with RSV rates in the US closely approximating this shift,” the study authors wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Emma G. Guare of Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was published online on September 26 in JAMA Network Open.

LIMITATIONS:

The study used CDC mortality data rather than linked infant birth and death data. Data were limited by state reporting. There was incomplete race and ethnicity reporting. The retrospective nature of the data and the lack of consistent pediatrician input into death evaluations led to over- or underidentification of the role of infection. The study could not assess other risk factors for SIDS, such as smoking, breastfeeding, and changes in childcare use, which were likely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DISCLOSURES:

None reported.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.