The ISPID Epidemiology Working Group monitor the evidence of characteristics and risk factors associated with infants who die suddenly and unexpectedly. We try to meet at least once a year and attempt to clarify where we have consensus of opinion, and - just as importantly - outline precisely where we may differ in our interpretation of any findings. This has led to several review publications:

• Vennemann MM, Hense HW, Bajanowski T, Blair PS, Complojer C, Moon RY, Kiechl-Kohlendorfer U. Bed sharing and the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: can we resolve the debate? J Pediatr 2012; 160 (1): 44-48.
• Mitchell EA, Blair PS. SIDS prevention: 3000 lives saved but we can do better. N Z Med J 2012; 125 (1359):50-57.
• Blair PS, Mitchell EA, Heckstall-Smith EM, Fleming PJ. Head Covering - A major modifiable risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: A systematic review. Arch Dis Child 2008; 93 (9): 778-783. Article
• Venemann MMT, Hoffgen M, Bajanowski T, Hense HW, Mitchell EA. Do immunisations reduce the risk of SIDS? A meta-analysis. Vaccine 2007; 25: 4875-4879.
• Kiechl-Kohlendorfer U, Moon RY. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and child care centres (CCC). Acta Paediatrica 2008; 97: 844-845. Article

This Group actively seeks the contribution and potential input from any ISPID member with an interest in this field.