It remains unexplained, despite post-mortem examinations. In many developed countries, it is the leading cause of inf ant death in the postnatal period. ISDS is more common in cold seasons. The seasonality is probably related to periodic changes in child care and an increase in respiratory tract infections during the colder seasons.

ISDS (sudden infant death syndrome) rarely occurs at 1 week of life, being most common between 2 and 6 months. The turn of the second and third quarters of the first year of life represents a period of particular vulnerability. This is related to the immaturity of the mechanisms coordinating organ functions in the central nervous system.

A likely cause of ISDS is instability in the control of respiratory and circulatory function. The risk of disorders is particularly high during sleep, especially during the REM phase. Central regulatory system dysfunction can result from brain damage in fetal, perinatal and neonatal life.

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Damage to the brainstem, together with the effects of other pathogens, can cause sudden infant death. Primary cardiovascular and respiratory abnormalities and inborn metabolic disorders are also of great importance. Abnormalities in the cardiac conduction system, myocarditis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are noted.