Context
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A team of researchers in Australia has identified a biochemical marker in the blood that could help identify newborn babies at risk for the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Key Findings
- Babies who died of SIDS showed lower levels of the butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme shortly after birth.
- A low level of the BChE enzyme affects a sleeping infant’s ability to wake up or respond to their environment.
Photo Credit: Reuters - The enzyme is an important part of the autonomic nervous system of the body and controls unconscious and involuntary functions.
- The new study also pointed out that smoking during pregnancy is associated with a significant increase in SIDS events.
About Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Sudden infant death syndrome is the unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant.
- It usually occurs while the baby is asleep, although in rare cases, it can also occur while the child is awake.
- The condition is also called “cot death”.
- Newborn babies delivered prematurely or with low weight at birth are believed to be at a greater risk of SIDS.
- The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, although revelations from the new research look promising.
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