Sudden infant death syndrome diagnostic study of choice

Sudden infant death syndrome Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Sudden infant death syndrome from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Interventions
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Sudden infant death syndrome diagnostic study of choice On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Sudden infant death syndrome diagnostic study of choice All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Sudden infant death syndrome diagnostic study of choice
CDC on Sudden infant death syndrome diagnostic study of choice
Sudden infant death syndrome diagnostic study of choice in the news
Blogs on Sudden infant death syndrome diagnostic study of choice
Directions to Hospitals Treating Psoriasis
Risk calculators and risk factors for Sudden infant death syndrome diagnostic study of choice

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Overview

There is no single diagnostic test for the diagnosis of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is mostly diagnosed with the process of elimination of the other possible causes of the death in the infant.

Diagnostic Study of Choice

Study of choice

• The big issue with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is that there is no single diagnostic test for the diagnosis of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• SIDS is mostly diagnosed with the process of elimination of the other possible causes of the death in the infant.
• Investigation of SIDS include the following:
  • An autopsy
  • Scene investigation and circumstances of the death
  • Exploration of the medical history of the infant and family

Apparent Life-Threatening Events (ALTEs) may be helpful in evaluating for SIDS:

• ALTEs can be found approximately in 1 of 400 infants

• ALTEs incules apneic episodes along with changes in the following:
  • Skin colour changes which include:
    • Cyanosis
    • Pallor
    • Erythema
  • Muscle tone either increased or decreased
  • Choking if suspected, evaluate by doing:
    • Barium studies
    • Observation
  • Gasping
  • Anemia if suspected, evaluate by doing complete blood count (CBC)
  • Apnea if suspected, evaluate by doing:
    • Continuous pulse oximetry
    • Sleep study
  • Long QT syndrome if suspected, evaluate by doing electrocardiography (ECG)
  • If suspected any upper respiratory problems like bronchiolitis, pertussis, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) do the following to confirm:
    • Chest radiography
    • Pulse oximetry
    • Respiratory syncytial virus
    • Pertussis culture
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if suspected, evaluate by doing:
    • Barium studies
    • Radioisotope scan
  • Infection if suspected, evaluate by doing:
    • Blood gas analysis (BGA)
    • Blood lactate level
    • Complete blood count (CBC)
    • Chest x-ray
    • Lumbar puncture (LP) with cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF)
    • Serum electrolytes
    • Urinalysis

OR

[Name of the investigation] is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of [disease name].

OR

The diagnostic study of choice for [disease name] is [name of the investigation].

OR

There is no single diagnostic study of choice for the diagnosis of [disease name].

OR

There is no single diagnostic study of choice for the diagnosis of [disease name], but [disease name] can be diagnosed based on [name of the investigation 1] and [name of the investigation 2].

OR

[Disease name] is primarily diagnosed based on the clinical presentation.

OR

Investigations:

• Among the patients who present with clinical signs of [disease name], the [investigation name] is the most specific test for the diagnosis.
• Among the patients who present with clinical signs of [disease name], the [investigation name] is the most sensitive test for diagnosis.
• Among the patients who present with clinical signs of [disease name], the [investigation name] is the most efficient test for diagnosis.

The comparison of various diagnostic studies for [disease name]

Test	Sensitivity	Specificity
Test 1	...%	...%
Test 2	...%	...%

[Name of test with higher sensitivity and specificity] is the preferred investigation based on the sensitivity and specificity

Diagnostic results

The following finding(s) on performing [investigation name] is(are) confirmatory for [disease name]:

• [Finding 1]
• [Finding 2]

Sequence of Diagnostic Studies

The [name of investigation] must be performed when:

• The patient presented with symptoms/signs 1, 2, and 3 as the first step of diagnosis.
• A positive [test] is detected in the patient, to confirm the diagnosis.

OR

The various investigations must be performed in the following order:

• [Initial investigation]
• [2nd investigation]