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Heavy caffeine intake in pregnancy and sudden infant death syndrome
  1. R P K Forda,
  2. P J Schlutera,
  3. E A Mitchellb,
  4. B J Taylorc,
  5. R Scraggd,
  6. A W Stewarte,
  7. the New Zealand Cot Death Study Group
  1. aCommunity Paediatric Unit, Christchurch, bDepartment of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, cDepartment of Paediatrics, University of Otago, dDepartment of Epidemiology, University of Auckland, eDepartment of Biostatistics, University of Auckland
  1. Dr R P K Ford, Community Paediatric Unit, Community Child and Family Service, PO Box 25-265, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Abstract

AIMS To examine the association between maternal caffeine consumption during pregnancy and the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

METHODS A nationwide case-control study surveying parents of 393 SIDS victims and parents of 1592 control infants. Caffeine consumption in each of the first and third trimesters was estimated by questionnaire. Heavy caffeine intake was defined as 400 mg/day or more (equivalent to four or more cups of coffee per day).

RESULTS Infants whose mothers had heavy caffeine consumption throughout their pregnancy had a significantly increased risk for SIDS (odds ratio 1.65; 95% confidence interval 1.15 to 2.35) after adjusting for likely confounding factors.

CONCLUSION Caffeine intake has been associated with fetal harm and now SIDS. Reducing heavy caffeine intake during pregnancy could be another way to lessen the risk of SIDS. This needs confirmation by others.

  • Heavy maternal caffeine consumption throughout pregnancy was significantly associated with an increased relative risk for SIDS (OR 1.65) after adjustment for confounders

  • Caffeine consumption of ⩾400 mg/day (equivalent to four or more cups of coffee per day) was defined to be heavy

  • Caffeine consumption is a modifiable behaviour

  • Reducing heavy caffeine intake during pregnancy may decrease the risk of SIDS

  • SIDS
  • caffeine
  • pregnancy

https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.78.1.9

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    Footnotes

    • Other members of the New Zealand Cot Death Study Group are: E M Allen, J M D Thompson, S Williams, D M J Barry, D M O Becroft, I B Hassall, A P Roberts