New Insights on SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the biggest killer of babies over one month old in developed nations. What SIDS actually is, though, is a mystery. Recently, some chance observations may shed light on causes. According to The Economist (July 5, 2008), post mortem data from SIDS victims has revealed that nerve cells which regulate basic bodily functions, including breathing and body temperature, are more numerous and less mature than they are in other babies. Those cells communicate using a messenger molecule called serotonin. Recently, Italian researchers who were investigating serotonin's role in aggression found that changes in serotonin levels frequently resulted in death from abnormally low heart rate and hypothermia. This research suggests that genetics may explain some cases of SIDS. In the past explanations have concentrated on environmental factors such as smoking habits of parents and babies' sleeping positions. These conditions certainly are involved in SIDS deaths. However, research on possible genetic factors may make it possible for babies to be screened for those at risk, giving parents a alert to take suitable precautions.