May 25, 2023 – Researchers have discovered certain brain abnormalities in babies who died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
For many years, researchers have tried to know why some otherwise healthy babies under one 12 months old mysteriously die of their sleep. SIDS is the leading explanation for infant death within the United States, affecting 103 out of 100,000 babies.
The latest study found that babies who died of sudden infant death syndrome had abnormalities in certain brain receptors liable for waking up and restoring respiratory. The scientists decided to check the babies' brains on the molecular level because previous research had shown that the identical variety of brain receptors in rodents are liable for protective respiratory functions during sleep.
The study appeared on Thursday in Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental NeurologyThe researchers compared brain stems from 70 babies, a few of whom had died from sudden infant death syndrome and others of other causes.
Despite discovering differences in babies' brains, the study's lead writer said further studies are needed.
Robin Haynes, PhD, who researches SIDS at Boston Children Hospital, said in a opinion that “the relationship between the abnormalities and the cause of death remains unknown.”
She said there was no solution to discover babies with brain abnormalities and “therefore adhering to practices to ensure safe sleep remains critical”.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends quite a few measures to create a protected sleeping environment for babies, including placing babies on their backs on a firm surface. Education campaigns geared toward parents and caregivers within the Nineties are largely considered successful, but SIDS rates have remained stable since these practices became widespread.