Possible genetic cause of SIDS

Tweet The Economist reports on a science paper, Sudden Infant death Syndrome (SIDS) may have a genetic cause.

Dr Audero’s results suggest that some upset of the serotonin system may be a necessary, but not always sufficient, part of the pattern that leads to SIDS. It will be enough to kill some children, but needs an environmental “boost” in other cases. If research can establish that is true, then it may be possible to screen infants and single out those at risk, so that parents can take suitable precautions. That would be a very good thing indeed.

SUDDEN infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the biggest killer of babies over one month old in the rich world.