Healthsifter by mary desmond pinkowish, since 2003

Serotonin Clue in SIDS

Scientists know that in a substantial portion of babies who die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the brain cells that produce the neurotransmitter serotonin are too abundant. The cells are also misshapen. Scientific American discusses these findings in light of new research conducted in mice.  Investigators using a mouse model to study anxiety found that 75% of mice bred to have excess serotonin receptors died young--during episodes marked by plunging heart rate and body temperature. Coincidence? Further research is on the way.
Also see
The National Sudden and Unexpected Infant/Child Death and Pregnancy Loss at Georgetown University
NICHD Back to Sleep Campaign
First Candle

SIDS Update

Newsweek summarizes the findings of several new studies about the prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  SIDS deaths have been cut in half (amazing) since the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) instituted its Back to Sleep campaign in the mid-1990s. But even though parents generally know that putting a baby to sleep on her back reduces (but does not eliminate) the risk of SIDS, it's estimated that 2,300 babies will die of SIDS in the United States this year. Here's what the National Institutes of Health advises parents about SIDS prevention. Similar information is available from the American Academy of Pediatrics.