Scientists have identified a new potential cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in a new study released Thursday.
of Peer-reviewed researchwas published in Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurologyexamined biological abnormalities in the bodies of 70 infants who died of SIDS.
SIDS is the sudden death of seemingly healthy babies before their first birthday. Deaths tend to occur while babies are asleep.
The disease occurs in 103 per 100,000 live births in the United States and is the leading cause of postnatal death in the United States. According to the Ministry of Health, 45 infants die from SIDS in Israel each year.
What potential causes of SIDS have researchers discovered?
Researchers have found abnormalities in the 2A/C serotonin receptors in infants. This receptor is responsible for protective sleep functions.
Researchers believe that SIDS is the result of a combination of abnormal receptors, developmental timing, and external stressors.
Researchers say infants are at risk of SIDS if their cardiopulmonary function is not fully developed, if they have biological abnormalities, and/or if they sleep in a way that causes external stressors. increase.
“The published study builds on previous work by our and other laboratories that showed abnormalities in the serotonergic system in some SIDS infants,” said Robin Haynes, the study’s investigator. said Mr.
“Although we have identified serotonin 2A/C receptor abnormalities in SIDS, the relationship between the abnormalities and causes of death remains unclear. Much work remains to be done to determine what consequences aberrations in this receptor have in relation to the larger network of receptors and non-serotonergic receptors. There is no way to identify infants with biological abnormalities, so adhering to safe sleep habits remains important.”
How can SIDS be prevented?
announced by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Parent’s guide About protecting babies from SIDS.
The ministry recommends that babies sleep on their backs. Babies must sleep on a firm mattress with a stamp of approval. The ministry also stresses that the baby should sleep in her parents’ room until the baby is six months old, but prefers one year.
The guide claims that the baby’s bed should be empty of anything, including pillows and toys. The baby’s head should not be completely covered. If using a blanket, it should be tucked under the mattress at armpit level.
The ministry recommends keeping the room temperature between 22 and 23 degrees.
