Archive for sudden infant death syndrome
Could SIDS be caused by unrecognized brain infections?
Some infants who pass away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are known to have had acute minor infections. Could these have played a role in their death? Using next-generation molecular tools, a new study provides evidence that undiagnosed inflammation and occult infection can contribute to SIDS and the brainstem pathology seen in some infants. ... Read More about Could SIDS be caused by unrecognized brain infections?
Chromosomal testing expands options for exploring causes of SIDS
When an infant or young child dies without explanation, it is not uncommon for parents to blame themselves. In some cases, unfortunately, they may be wrongly investigated by the authorities, even as they yearn for answers themselves. Most often, these answers never come. But research is slowly starting to change that. Increasing evidence suggests that ... Read More about Chromosomal testing expands options for exploring causes of SIDS
Sudden, unexplained child deaths often have a genetic cause
When a baby or toddler dies without warning, parents often blame themselves. A study at Boston Children’s may provide some insight into sudden, unexplained child deaths and perhaps a measure of closure. It suggests that at least 10 percent of children who die suddenly have an undiagnosed genetic condition that caused or contributed to their ... Read More about Sudden, unexplained child deaths often have a genetic cause
Can we explain sudden infant deaths? It’s complicated.
Since the early 1990s, “Back to Sleep” campaigns have urged parents to place infants to bed on their backs to prevent suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The results were clear: from 1992 to 1996, SIDS fell by more than half. But since then, rates of what is now called sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) ... Read More about Can we explain sudden infant deaths? It’s complicated.
Gene panel helps investigate sudden unexpected death in children
Almost 10 percent of pediatric deaths occur suddenly and without explanation. In this terrible situation, the first question many parents have is “Why?” For most, answers never come. Childhood deaths that cannot be explained by traditional autopsy and death-scene investigation are referred to as sudden unexplained deaths in pediatrics (SUDP). In children, these deaths are ... Read More about Gene panel helps investigate sudden unexpected death in children