New Study Identifies Possible Biological Abnormalities as a Cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Scientists have identified a new possible cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), in a new study published Thursday.

That Peer-reviewed studypublished in Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neuroscienceobserved biological abnormalities in the bodies of 70 babies who died of sudden infant death syndrome.

Sudden infant death syndrome is a phenomenon in which an apparently healthy baby suddenly dies before their first birthday. Death tends to occur while the child is sleeping.

This condition, which occurs in 103 of every 100,000 live births in the United States, is the leading cause of postpartum death in the United States. According to the Ministry of Health, 45 babies die from SIDS every year in Israel.

What Possible Causes of SIDS Did Researchers Find?

In the children’s body, researchers have found abnormalities in the serotonin 2A / C receptors. These receptors are responsible for the protective function of sleep.

Researchers believe SIDS is the result of abnormal receptor peaks, developmental timing and external stressors.

A baby is at risk for SIDS when the heart and respiratory system are not fully developed, have a biological abnormality, or sleep in a way that causes external stress, according to researchers.

“The work presented builds on previous work performed by our lab and others showing abnormalities in the serotonergic system in some SIDS children,” said Robin Hines, PhD, author of the study.

“Although we have identified abnormalities in the serotonin 2A/C receptor in SIDS, the relationship between the abnormalities and the cause of death is still unknown. Much work remains to be done to determine the outcome of abnormalities in these receptors in the context of the larger serotonin network. and non-serotonin receptors that protect vital functions in cardiac and respiratory control when challenged. Currently, we do not have the means to identify children with biological abnormalities in the serotonergic system. Therefore, adherence to safe sleep practices remains important.”

How can SIDS be prevented?

The Ministry of Health issued a Guide for parents in keeping their children safe from SIDS.

The ministry recommends that children be placed on their backs to sleep. Infants must be placed on a firm mattress with the seal of approval. They also have to sleep in their parents’ bedroom until the baby is 6 months old, although the ministry stresses that this will be a better year.

The guide emphasized that the crib must be free of everything, including pillows and toys. The baby’s head should be fully exposed. If using a blanket, it is better if the blanket is placed under the mattress at armpit level.

The ministry recommends keeping the room temperature between 22 and 23 degrees Celsius.