NEUROMOTOR BEHAVIORAL EXAMINATION OF INFANTS AT RISK FOR SIDS

Abstract

Previous reports have found histologic abnormalities in the muscles of SIDS victims. We were therefore interested if infants at risk for SIDS demonstrated neuromotor abnormalities. Our study group consisted of 24 consecutive infants enrolled in a home monitoring program. These infants were examined using a Neuromotor Behavioral Inventory, a comprehensive 5-part examination measuring muscle tone, patterns of movement, reflexes, environment, and oral motor behavior. Infants on monitors included "near miss SIDS", siblings of SIDS victims, and premature babies with persistent apnea. Low neuromotor tone was found in 14/24 infants who received the Neuromotor Behavioral Inventory. Subsequent siblings of SIDS victims had the highest incidence of normal exams (5/6,83%), while 70% of the near miss group had low muscle tone on the first exam. One near miss infant was later diagnosed as having cerebral palsy. The low muscle tone is consistent with earlier reported histologic findings in SIDS victims, and may also be a reflection of a fundamental neurological problem in this group of infants, of which apnea may be another manifestation. The Neuromotor Behavioral Inventory may prove to be a useful adjunct to apnea screening in identifying a group of infants at high risk for clinically significant apnea and SIDS.

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