The Past, Present, and Future of Human Pathology in SIDS

Needs Statement

There is a critical need to address professional practice gaps among healthcare providers, forensic specialists, and community health professionals in managing SUID/SIDS cases. These gaps significantly impact patient care by hindering the consistent application of best practices. Access to updated information on genetic risk factors and epidemiological tools is essential, but many providers lack access to the latest insights. This deficit limits their ability to effectively incorporate genetics into preventative strategies. Professionals involved in SUID/SIDS cases often lack the competence needed to implement standardized investigative protocols, resulting in inconsistent data collection. Despite available guidelines, there is a significant performance gap in implementing bereavement support and preventive interventions.To address these needs, the proposed conference will provide targeted education on genetics, investigative protocols,and best practices in bereavement support. Through lectures, case presentations, and hands-on workshops, participants will gain the knowledge needed to enhance competence and improve performance in SUID/SIDS prevention and care.Specific sessions will focus on translating genetic research into clinical practice, standardizing investigative protocols across jurisdictions, and integrating bereavement support models into community outreach. This approach aims to equip healthcare providers, forensic specialists, and support professionals with the tools necessary to improve patient outcomes and support systems for families affected by SUID/SIDS.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of the activity, the participants should be able to:

• Describe the role of brainstem 5-HT (serotonin) abnormalities in the pathogenesis of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Explain the significance of developmental vulnerability during sleep in infants with SIDS.
• Identify the contributions of neuropathological research, including light and electron microscopy, to understanding SIDS.

Target Audience

Activity Evaluation

Evaluation by questionnaire will address program content, presentation, and possible bias.

Educational Methods

• Lectures
• Case Study

Accreditation/Credit Designation

Baylor College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Baylor College of Medicine designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Term of Approval

February 1, 2025 through February 28, 2028. Original release date: February 1, 2025.

Disclosure Policy

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. BCM is committed to sponsoring CE activities that are scientifically based, accurate, current, and objectively presented.

In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support, BCM has implemented a mechanism requiring everyone in a position to control the content of an educational activity (i.e., directors, planning committee members, faculty) to disclose any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests (drug/device companies) and manage/resolve any conflicts of interest prior to the activity. Individuals must disclose to participants the existence or non-existence of financial relationships at the time of the activity or within 24 months prior.

In addition, BCM has requested activity faculty/presenters to disclose to participants any unlabeled use or investigational use of pharmaceutical/device products; to use scientific or generic names (not trade names) in referring to products; and, if necessary to use a trade name, to use the names of similar products or those within a class. Faculty/presenters have also been requested to adhere to the ACCME's validation of clinical content statements.

BCM does not view the existence of financial relationships with commercial interests as implying bias or decreasing the value of a presentation. It is up to participants to determine whether the relationships influence the activity faculty with regard to exposition or conclusions. If at any time during this activity you feel that there has been commercial/promotional bias, notify the Activity Director or Activity Coordinator. Please answer the questions about balance and objectivity in the activity evaluation candidly.

All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.