Psychosocial impact of emergency apnea
M. J. Light and M. S. Sheridan
The pathophysiology of "near miss" or "aborted" sudden infant death
syndrome (better termed "emergency apnea") is unclear. Emotionally,
however, such episodes are significantly stressful for parents. We
administered a questionnaire to 50 families who had experienced emergency
apnea at home. Sixty percent ranked the experience as one of the most
difficult in their lives; 56% believed that the infant's death was averted
only because they intervened. The psychodynamics are similar to those seen
in families who have lost an infant to sudden infant death syndrome, and
they are consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder. The affected
infants may be regarded as "vulnerable children." Many parents believed
that their lives were permanently changed. Home apnea monitoring equipment
and support from the family physician and monitoring program are important
in reducing the stress associated with apneic emergencies.
