Triple-Risk Model (SIDS)
Definition
The Filiano and Kinney 1994 model proposing that SIDS deaths occur at the intersection of a vulnerable infant (brainstem arousal-response immaturity), a critical developmental period (2-4 months), and an extrinsic stressor (prone sleep, co-sleeping, overheating). Supported by neuropathological studies of brainstem serotonergic pathway abnormalities.
- Proposers
- Filiano and Kinney, 1994
- Three factors
- Vulnerable infant, critical period, extrinsic stressor
- Critical period
- 2 to 4 months of age
- Vulnerability basis
- Brainstem arousal-response immaturity
- Supporting evidence
- Brainstem serotonergic pathway studies
Common questions
Why does the triple-risk model require all three factors together rather than any one alone?+
The model holds that a vulnerable infant in the critical developmental window will not necessarily die without an extrinsic stressor such as prone sleeping, and conversely a stressor alone rarely kills a non-vulnerable infant, so the framework explains SIDS as needing the intersection of all three.
How does the triple-risk model influence a death investigation classification?+
It supports SIDS as a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning findings consistent with the model, alongside a negative autopsy, scene investigation, and clinical history review, are what allow other causes of death to be ruled out first.
Related terms
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- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
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- Post-Mortem Genetic Testing (Cardiac)
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- SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
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- Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD)
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