A new study published in JAMA found that the brainstems of babies who have died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) had lower level of serotonin than those babies who died from other causes. SIDS is still the leading cause of death in infants.
Previous studies had found that serotonin levels have been linked to SIDS, but this study sheds light on the defect in the infants' brain that might account for SIDS.
The researchers found that in 35 of the 41 SIDS babies, serotonin levels were 26 % lower than in those who died of other causes and levels of an enzyme that stimulates serotonin production were 22 % lower. Serotonin receptor was 50 % lower in SIDS babies.
Experts say that this is an important advance in the understanding of what's wrong with the brainstem of SIDS babies but there is still a long way to go to finding a detection test and then a treatment. The authors emphasized avoiding known risk factors such as bed sharing, soft bedding and smoking.
Source: "Brainstem Serotonergic Deficiency in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome" JAMA 2010;303(5):430-437. ( f/t via Athens)
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