Respiratory rhythm generation during gasping 

12 February 2006

Statement from the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths in response to: Paton J et al, Respiratory rhythm generation during gasping depends on persistent sodium current, Nature Neuroscience online

FSID welcomes this paper which suggests that a failure of the gasp reflex may be responsible for some babies dying suddenly and unexpectedly.

It is not yet known what causes cot death but the consensus of current scientific opinion is that cot death is multifactorial – it will have a number of different causes. A failure of respiratory control, as suggested by this paper, could be one of the contributory factors in some sudden infant deaths. However, at this stage it is not known how these findings can be translated into practical measures to reduce the risk of cot death.

Joyce Epstein, FSID’s Director said:
“This paper adds interesting information to the sum of our knowledge about sudden infant death. Though we now know many ways of reducing the risk of cot death, we still don’t know the causes of these tragedies. SIDS remains the biggest killer of babies over one month old, claiming over 300 lives every year in the UK. We need much more research, so that we can advise parents and health professionals as to what other preventative steps they can take to protect babies from the risk of cot death.”


Notes to editors:

FSID runs a Helpline (020 7233 2090) for anyone who has experienced the sudden death of a baby or who has questions about safe baby care. FSID requests that the Helpline number 020 7233 2090 and website address www.sids.org.uk be reproduced in all reporting.

Interviews with FSID representatives should be possible.

Media enquiries:
Colin Brook, Communications officer: 020 7222 8001 / 020 7227 5210
Joyce Epstein, Director: 020 7222 8001 / 020 7227 5209 / 07904 198 552 (out of hours)

 

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