Epidemiological features of sudden infant death after a German intervention campaign in 1992

German data on postinterventional risk factor patterns are presented for the first time and there is still substantial need for future endeavours towards a further reduction of modifiable risk factors for SID.

Abstract

Despite intervention campaigns, complete covering of the baby, prone position and heavy maternal smoking are still major risk factors for cot death. Except for sleeping on cushions, all major epidemiological risk factors for cot death act independently. Despite encouraging success in the reduction of risk factors for cot death, there is still substantial need for future endeavours towards a further reduction of modifiable risk factors for SID.