Heavy caffeine intake in pregnancy and sudden infant death syndrome. New Zealand Cot Death Study Group

R P Ford; P J Schluter; E A Mitchell; B J Taylor; R Scragg; A W Stewart

doi:10.1136/adc.78.1.9

Heavy caffeine intake in pregnancy and sudden infant death syndrome. New Zealand Cot Death Study Group

Arch Dis Child. 1998 Jan;78(1):9-13. doi: 10.1136/adc.78.1.9.

Authors

R P Ford¹, P J Schluter, E A Mitchell, B J Taylor, R Scragg, A W Stewart

Affiliation

¹ Community Paediatric Unit, Community Child and Family Service, 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.

Publication types

Multicenter Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Caffeine / administration & dosage
Caffeine / adverse effects*
Carbonated Beverages / adverse effects
Case-Control Studies
Coffee / adverse effects
Female
Humans
Infant
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Trimester, First
Pregnancy Trimester, Third
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects*
Risk Factors
Sudden Infant Death / etiology*
Tea / adverse effects

Substances

Coffee
Tea
Caffeine