I found this article in Science Daily News, nearly 10 percent of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) victims have mutations or variations in genes associated with potentially lethal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), according to two newly published studies involving Vanderbilt researchers. Though there are many risk factors associated with SIDS, and there are many campaigns and programs out there to decrease the risk factors, SIDS is still the leading cause of infant mortality in developing countries, and the underlying cause is unclear.
A popular theory proposes that SIDS occurs because of a combination of risks including abnormal physiological state, environmental factors and developmental vulnerabilities. Genetic factors have also been proposed to be important. I think it is is so important not only have research done on the environmental factors such tobacco smoke, and physical factors such as sleeping positions, but also on the genetic level. For more information on this study visit the Mayo Clinic online.
1 comment:
Wow! The fact that there might be a genetic link to SIDS is very scary, yet its also good to know. Perhaps this knowledge will help scientists unravel the mystery of SIDS.
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