Center for CardioGenetics
Genetic Testing and Preventive Care for Families of SIDS/SUDS Victims
“Sudden” doesn’t describe the shock of an unexpected loss due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or sudden unexpected death syndrome (SUDS). The Montefiore Einstein Center for CardioGenetics (MECC) hopes to eliminate SIDS/SUDS and other types of genetic diseases in your lifetime. We provide genetic testing and preventive medical care to help families cope with risks and fend off future tragedy.
What Are SIDS and SUDS?
Each year, more than 4,000 children and young people in the U.S. die suddenly of undiagnosed heart disturbances called arrhythmia.
Sudden infant death dyndrome (SIDS) occurs in children under one year of age, whose cause of death cannot be determined by medical examination. SIDS is the leading killer of one-month- to one-year-old infants in the United States.
Sudden unexpected death syndrome (SUDS) occurs in persons over one year of age whose cause of death cannot be determined by medical examination.
Read more about SIDS in our Health Library.
In both SIDS and SUDS, a significant percentage of cases are caused by inherited disturbances of the heart rhythm, conditions known as long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies. Most of these disorders are passed along from parent to child; thus, the tragedy of these conditions can be compounded by the fact that children or other relatives of an individual who has died suddenly can also be at risk.
Is Your Family Still at Risk?
Today, scientists know that at least one in three SIDS/SUDS deaths involves a genetic disorder. Instead of living in fear, take charge of your family’s health. MECC experts:
- Identify or rule out risks to other family members.
- Provide preventive medical care to those at risk.
- Uncover genetic links to your child's SIDS/SUDS
How Our Process Works
Beyond basic testing, we provide comprehensive services to evaluate and mitigate risks. The process may include:
- Complete physical examination
- Genetic testing of patients and family members
- Moving forward without fear
- Neurological and metabolic consultation
- Noninvasive cardiology assessment
- Review of your family's medical history
- Social worker counseling and support
MECC offers security in your family’s future. Our team designs a treatment plan that may include:
- Additional testing: To evaluate genes associated with heart disorders.
- Follow-up care: Ongoing oversight by medical experts.
- Preventive treatment: Medication, heart devices and/or lifestyle change.
MECC keeps your information private and uses it for medical purposes only. All MECC counseling and testing services are provided at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore in Bronx, NY.
Honor Your Loved One and Help Fight SIDS/SUDS
You never "get over" the loss of a child, but at MECC you can turn your grief into positive action. With your permission, your family's information becomes part of a database that supports the latest SIDS/SUDS research.
Information and Appointments
- Families of SIDS and SUDS victims: Call MECC's nurse practitioner, Sadahf Shujauddin, at 718-741-2327
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To make an appointment at the clinic: Call MECC's administrative assistant, Tricia Elliot, at 718-741-2323.
- Directions to the Montefiore Einstein Center for CardioGenetics: Click Here.