SIDS Linked To First Possible Cause

The cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, may soon be known. And, thanks to a team of researchers led by Dr. Daniel D. Rubens of the Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle, there may soon be new purpose for existing newborn screening tests. In particular to identify children who are at risk of SIDS.

Of a group of 31 children under 1, who passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, researchers found that in all of these cases the babies had gotten the same results on a hearing test routinely given to newborn babies.

The result, is found to be an abnormality of the right inner ear. Also, healthy babies generally have their best hearing in the right ear, in each of the SIDS cases, the babies involved had better hearing in the left ear, even on 3 different test frequencies.

One possibility, suggested by leading researcher, Dr. Rubens, is that the cause lies with the tiny hairs of the inner ear. These hairs, are important for both hearing and vestibular function. The hair cells may also be involved in the transmission of information to the brain. In particular, in transmitting information on carbon dioxide levels in the blood stream.

If these cells are injured during or before birth, if could disrupt respiratory control, later leading to SIDS.

There has been a decrease in cases since health care workers began recommending that parents avoid situations related to existing high risk statistics. Such as to avoid having a smoker in the house, avoid putting a baby to sleep on their tummy, and having teddy bears in the crib, or any other 'fluff' filled items that could lead to asphyxiation.

In addition cases are highest in winter months, and are most common in children between the ages of 2 and 4 months, but can occur anytime from birth, up to the first year, and beyond (though rare after 1). Boys are found to be at higher risk than girls, and African American babies at higher risk than any others.

SIDS, which has long been a mystery, affects 1 in every 2,000 newborn babies, 3 babies every week in Canada, and though it is still early to suggest that we may soon see an end to SIDS, there are things parents can do to lower the risk.

• Put your baby on his or her back to sleep;
• Avoid putting too many clothes and covers on your baby;
• Make sure no one smokes around your baby; and
• Breastfeed your baby, it may give some protection against SIDS.