Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) can occur at anytime during the first year of life. The true etiology, or cause of SIDS is not fully understood, though research is getting closer at identifying risk factors. Scientists at the University of Manchester have identified two gene mutations that occur in greater frequencies in babies who died of SIDS. These genetic mutations may represent important information about SIDS and possibly help to identify those at risk.
Genetic samples were obtained, with permission, from twenty five infants who died due to SIDS. Genetic mapping found variants in high percentages of two cytokines, or cellular messenger proteins. Both IL-6 and VEGF mutations occured at statistical levels in SIDS infants.
IL-6 is a cellular protein that has a role in the inflammatory cascade involved in proper response to an infection, primarily bacterial. VEGF is a protein involved in blood vessel function and growth. Mutations in the genes for each of these proteins could result in damage to life necessitating functions, and may help explain why death occurs in SIDS.
Other risk factors for SIDS include mother's who smoke cigarettes, exposure to cigarette smoke (including second hand), and sleeping on the abdomen. Past research had also identified a gene mutation for IL-10, another cellular marker for inflammation, being tied to increased risk for SIDS.
As the amount of information about SIDS grows the speculation that abuse or neglect has occured will decrease, which will be invaluable for any family that has experienced a loss due to SIDS. It is a very difficult diagnosis to be given, because it is often unexplained. Genetic mutations such as IL-6 and VEGF may be identified prior to birth in the future to help decrease the incidence of SIDS and perhaps allow for treatment.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 9, 2006 01:32 PM
