Sleep Tight Baby

(May 30, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Infection with certain bacteria may play a role in sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), also known as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to research published in The Lancet.

Here are some ways of preventing SUDI:

•    Put babies to sleep on their backs, but don’t worry if they roll onto their tummies by themselves.

•    Be sure babies are never exposed to tobacco smoke.

•    Keep cribs free of pillows, loose blankets, soft toys, and other items that may impair breathing if they get pushed up against baby’s face.

Researchers out of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London looked at the autopsy reports of over 500 children aged 7 days to one year who died unexpectedly. They also analyzed samples taken from the infants to look for the presence of bacteria.

Bacteria that are known to cause general blood poisoning without necessarily leaving an obvious site of infection were found more frequently in infants who died without any known explanation, compared with infants whose deaths were determined to have a cause not related to infection. The bacteria S. aureus and E. coli were implicated most often in those with unexplained deaths.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. James Morris, who wrote an editorial on the study, and who discussed with us the importance of this research.

Today’s research demonstrates that infection with certain types of bacteria may contribute to SUDI. A better understanding of this condition may help prevent future occurrences.