Researchers have identified 14 biomarkers that may increase an infant’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) if they are atypical at birth. The study, which evaluated over 350 infants who died from SIDS and compared them to over 1,400 babies who did not die of SIDS, found that these biomarkers could help identify infants at increased risk for SIDS soon after birth. This discovery may lead to prevention strategies in the future.
SIDS is the sudden unexplained death of a newborn under one year of age, usually occurring during sleep. Although the cause of SIDS is unknown, babies who die from it are thought to have problems in the way they respond to stress and how they regulate their heart rate, breathing, and temperature. Babies that are male, born prematurely, and have a genetic history of SIDS tend to be at a greater risk.
The 14 biomarkers identified are metabolites, which are chemicals produced during metabolism and can be detected in newborn screening before the baby leaves the hospital. Infants who developed SIDS often had lower levels of these metabolites than those who did not develop SIDS. These metabolites may point to metabolic, endocrine, and neurological abnormalities that could make infants more vulnerable to SIDS.
Acylcarnitines were found to be the most significant metabolic pattern in identifying the likelihood of SIDS. Atypical levels of acylcarnitines may indicate “systemic dysfunction” of fatty acid metabolism, which could lead to a lack of energy in critical tissues such as the brain and heart, contributing to sudden death.
Additionally, two more metabolites stood out: the hormone 17-hydroxyprogesterone and the amino acid tyrosine. Having abnormal levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in SIDS may indicate a disrupted endocrine system that can affect breathing and stress responses. Tyrosine is involved in the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which regulate stress and emotional responses. Disruptions in neurotransmitter production could lead to improper stress responses or autonomic dysregulation, both factors associated with SIDS.
While there is no foolproof method to entirely eliminate the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, some measures can help lower the risk.
1. Always place infants on their backs to sleep, as this reduces the risk of SIDS significantly.
2. Keep soft objects and loose bedding away from the baby’s sleep area to prevent suffocation or entrapment.
3. Avoid overheating by keeping the room temperature comfortable and not overdressing the baby.
4. Encourage breastfeeding, as it has been linked with a reduced risk of SIDS.
5. Make sure your baby shares your bedroom but not your bed for at least the first six months or, ideally, up to one year.
6. Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime, as this may help reduce the risk of SIDS.
7. Avoid smoking during pregnancy and keep the baby away from secondhand smoke after birth.
8. Provide safe sleep environments, including using a firm mattress with a fitted sheet and avoiding devices that attach to crib bars or positioners.
In conclusion, the discovery of 14 biomarkers associated with an increased risk of SIDS may help identify infants at higher risk for this devastating condition. Although there is no definitive way to prevent SIDS entirely, following safe sleep practices and other preventative measures can reduce the likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome.
