La mort subite du nourrisson(MSN) Données récentes en physiologie

An infant could be vulnerable to SIDS because of a deficiency in cardio-respiratory or in sleep/wake behaviour controis during sleep. Genetic, metaboiic, nutritbnal or toxic prenatal brainstem injury could be responsible for these deficits. The infant's vulnerability lies latent until he/she enfers the critical developmental period from 2 to 6 months when significant changes in sleep-wake, breathing and autonomie controls occur. The accident has a greater probability of occurring when the infant is exposed to an infection, or an unfavourable environmental factor which enhances the immature cardio respiratory and sleep/wake behaviours of the infant.