Biomarkers have been discovered which could be used to identify babies at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
University of Virginia Health (UVA) researchers in the United States found “fingerprints” of SIDS within blood samples.
Dr Keith L. Keene said the findings represented an important step in unravelling the causes of SIDS, an unexplained condition that was the No. 1 killer of babies between a month and a year old.
Dr Keene said researchers analyzed blood serum samples collected from infants who died from SIDS and were able to identify specific biological indicators that were linked to, and potential causes of, the babies’ deaths.
He said tests to identify such signs in infants could ultimately help save lives.
“Our study is the largest study to date that has attempted to detect how these small molecules in the blood may serve as biomarkers for SIDS.”
Dr Keene said further research was needed to determine if the biological indicators were contributing to SIDS.
“But the findings lay an important foundation for unraveling the mysteries of SIDS and developing blood tests that could potentially save new parents from heartbreak.”
Read the full study: Metabolomic profiles of infants classified as sudden infant death syndrome: a case-control analysis.
