Potential Neuroregulatory Basis for SIDS

SIDS cases had significantly more serotonergic system abnormalities than did controls.

Although sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of mortality during the first year of life, no unifying neurophysiologic basis has been identified. The serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) system of the medulla oblongata helps regulate autonomic and respiratory function and has been implicated as a cause of SIDS. Investigators in California compared markers of 5-HT function in frozen medullae obtained at autopsy in 31 infants (15 males) who died from SIDS and 10 infants (8 males) who died suddenly from other causes (controls).

The number of medullary 5-HT neurons was significantly higher in SIDS cases than in controls. In most nuclei analyzed, 5-HT_1A receptor binding density was significantly reduced in SIDS cases. Alt…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD