Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is an unexpected death of infants under one year old. SIDS is the most common cause of death for infants after the first month of birth, commonly between two and four months. MEMS...Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is an unexpected death of infants under one year old. SIDS is the most common cause of death for infants after the first month of birth, commonly between two and four months. MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology can be very useful to help us to avoid this horrible tragedy. In the present work, using a MEMS technology, an intelligent pacifier is designed to alarm any unusual changes in breathing during sleeping. A PZT (Piezoelectric) sensor is utilized to detect the force generated by breathing and convert it to a measurable voltage and alarm the risky breathing during infant's sleeping. This voltage can subsequently drive some simple alarm and make parents aware of hazard.展开更多
AIM:To identify a hypothesis on:Supine sleep,sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS) reduction and association with increasing autism incidence.METHODS:Literature was searched for autism spectrum disorder incidence time tr...AIM:To identify a hypothesis on:Supine sleep,sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS) reduction and association with increasing autism incidence.METHODS:Literature was searched for autism spectrum disorder incidence time trends,with correlation of change-points matching supine sleep campaigns.A mechanistic model expanding the hypothesis was constructed based on further review of epidemiological and other literature on autism.RESULTS:In five countries(Denmark,United Kingdom,Australia,Israel,United States) with published time trends of autism,change-points coinciding with supine sleep campaigns were identified.The model proposes that supine sleep does not directly cause autism,but increases the likelihood of expression of a subset of autistic criteria in individuals with genetic susceptibility,thereby specifically increasing the incidence of autism without intellectual disability.CONCLUSION:Supine sleep is likely a physiological stressor,that does reduce SIDS,but at the cost of impact on emotional and social development in the population,a portion of which will be susceptible to,and consequently express autism.A re-evaluation of all benefits and harms of supine sleep is warranted.If the SIDS mechanism proposed and autism model presented can be verified,the research agenda may be better directed,in order to further decrease SIDS,and reduce autism incidence.展开更多
Objective To find the pathogenesis of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) from changes of pulmonary surfactant. Methods By means of thin layer chromatography technique, surfactant in whole lung specimens of 10 inf...Objective To find the pathogenesis of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) from changes of pulmonary surfactant. Methods By means of thin layer chromatography technique, surfactant in whole lung specimens of 10 infants with SIDS and 10 control infants without SIDS (dead of nonrespiratory diseases) were examined qualitatively and quantitatively. Results Eleven components in pulmonary surfactant were examined qualitatively, including lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, cholesterol and neutral lipids. Quantitative examination showed that the amount of surfactant of whole lung specimens in sudden death group [(8.9±1.0) mg/g wet lung weight] was significantly less than that in control group [(12.6±1.4) mg/g wet lung weight, P<0.01]. Qualitative variance showed that the percentages of phosphatidylcholine (49.4%±2.0%) and phosphatidylglycerol (2.6%±0.7%) decreased markedly in sudden death group compared with those in control group (61.5%±3.0% and 4.3%±1.5%, P<0.01). Conclusion Before death there is serious defect on metabolism of pulmonary surfactant in sudden death infants, with the amount decreasing and the ratio of its components being disturbed, which is one of the important pathogenies of SIDS.展开更多
Background Comprehensive quantitative evidence on the risk and protective factors for sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS)effects is lacking.We investigated the risk and protective factors related to SIDS.Methods We con...Background Comprehensive quantitative evidence on the risk and protective factors for sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS)effects is lacking.We investigated the risk and protective factors related to SIDS.Methods We conducted an umbrella review of meta-analyses of observational and interventional studies assessing SIDS-related factors.PubMed/MEDLINE,Embase,EBSCO,and Google Scholar were searched from inception until January 18,2023.Data extraction,quality assessment,and certainty of evidence were assessed by using A Measurement Tool Assessment Systematic Reviews 2 following PRISMA guidelines.According to observational evidence,credibility was graded and classified by class and quality of evidence(CE;convincing,highly suggestive,suggestive,weak,or not significant).Our study protocol was registered with PROSPERO(CRD42023458696).The risk and protective factors related to SIDS are presented as equivalent odds ratios(eORs).Results We identified eight original meta-analyses,including 152 original articles,covering 12 unique risk and protective factors for SIDS across 21 countries/regions and five continents.Several risk factors,including prenatal drug exposure[eOR=7.84(95%CI=4.81–12.79),CE=highly suggestive],prenatal opioid exposure[9.55(95%CI=4.87–18.72),CE=suggestive],prenatal methadone exposure[9.52(95%CI=3.34–27.10),CE=weak],prenatal cocaine exposure[4.38(95%CI=1.95–9.86),CE=weak],prenatal maternal smoking[2.25(95%CI=1.95–2.60),CE=highly suggestive],postnatal maternal smoking[1.97(95%CI=1.75–2.22),CE=weak],bed sharing[2.89(95%CI=1.81–4.60),CE=weak],and infants found with heads covered by bedclothes after last sleep[11.01(95%CI=5.40–22.45),CE=suggestive],were identified.On the other hand,three protective factors,namely,breastfeeding[0.57(95%CI=0.39–0.83),CE=non-significant],supine sleeping position[0.48(95%CI=0.37–0.63),CE=suggestive],and pacifier use[0.44(95%CI=0.30–0.65),CE=weak],were also identified.Conclusions Based on the evidence,we propose several risk and protective factors for SIDS.This study suggests the need for further studies on SIDS-related factors supported by weak credibility,no association,or a lack of adequate research.展开更多
Background:The objective of our study is to measure the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS),estimate the birth to death interval,and identify associated maternal and infant risk factors.Methods:We carried ...Background:The objective of our study is to measure the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS),estimate the birth to death interval,and identify associated maternal and infant risk factors.Methods:We carried out a population-based cohort study on 37418280 births using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's"Linked Birth-Infant Death"and"Fetal Death"data files from 1995 to 2004.Descriptive statistics and cox-proportional hazard models were used to estimate the adjusted effect of maternal and newborn characteristics on the risk of SIDS.Results:There were 24101 cases of SIDS identified for an overall 10-year incidence of 6.4 cases per 10000 births.Over the study period,the incidence decreased from 8.1 to 5.6 per 10000 and appeared to be most common among infants aged 2-4 months.Risk factors inchuded maternal age<20 years,black,non-Hispanic race,smoking,increasing parity,inadequate prenatal care,prematurity and growth restriction.Conclusions:While the incidence of SIDS in the US has declined,it currently remains the leading cause of post-neonatal mortality,highlighting an important public health priority.Educational campaigns should be targeted towards mothers at increased risk in order to raise their awareness of modifiable risk factors for SIDS such as maternal smoking and inadequate prenatal care.展开更多
The serotonin transporter(5‑HTT)gene has been considered one of the risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS),but the association remains unconfirmed.This meta‑analysis was performed to quantitatively summar...The serotonin transporter(5‑HTT)gene has been considered one of the risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS),but the association remains unconfirmed.This meta‑analysis was performed to quantitatively summarize the evidence for such a relationship.PubMed,EMBASE,and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for eligible studies within a range of published years from 1990 to December 2015.The odds ratios(ORs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)were used to assess the different associations.A total of 8 studies with 624 cases and 796 controls were included for 5‑HTT promoter polymorphism,5 studies with 418 cases and 542 controls for intron 2,and 3 studies with 253 cases and 334 controls for haplotype.The pooled examinations showed an overall increased SIDS risk for the 5‑HTT promoter polymorphism(OR=1.65,95%CI=1.03–2.63,P=0.035 for LL vs.LS and SS;OR=1.46,95%CI=1.04–2.04,P=0.028 for L vs.S),but no association(OR=1.00,95%CI=0.75–1.33,P=0.994 for 10+9 carriers vs.12/12;OR=0.97,95%CI=0.79–1.19,P=0.753 for 10+9 vs.12)for intron 2 polymorphism,and an unreliable association(OR=0.52,95%CI=0.31–0.87,P=0.013)for S‑9 and S‑10 haplotypes.This meta‑analysis suggests that the L allele or LL homozygote of 5‑HTT promoter polymorphism has an increased risk for SIDS,while intron 2 polymorphism has no association with SIDS.展开更多
婴儿猝死综合征(sudden infant death syndrome,SIDS)是婴儿死亡的重要原因。2013年HRS/EHRA/APHRS专家共识将不明原因的婴儿猝死纳入遗传性心律失常范围。约12%的SIDS由长QT综合征导致,与SIDS相关的离子通道病还包括Brugada综合征、儿...婴儿猝死综合征(sudden infant death syndrome,SIDS)是婴儿死亡的重要原因。2013年HRS/EHRA/APHRS专家共识将不明原因的婴儿猝死纳入遗传性心律失常范围。约12%的SIDS由长QT综合征导致,与SIDS相关的离子通道病还包括Brugada综合征、儿茶酚胺敏感性多形性室速、短QT综合征。此外,研究发现早期复极常伴随长QT综合征、Brugada综合征、短QT综合征疾病出现,并且进一步增加心律失常事件的风险。心电图描记术简单、无创、廉价、易行,对遗传性心律失常诱发的SIDS有重要的筛查、预警和诊断意义。展开更多
婴儿猝死综合征(dudden infant death s yndrome,SIDS)一直是法医学和儿科学领域的研究热点。相对于北美、欧洲、澳洲以及日本等地对SIDS广泛深入的研究,来自中国的报道相对较少。本文通过总结文献,介绍SIDS的发展历史、研究现状和新的...婴儿猝死综合征(dudden infant death s yndrome,SIDS)一直是法医学和儿科学领域的研究热点。相对于北美、欧洲、澳洲以及日本等地对SIDS广泛深入的研究,来自中国的报道相对较少。本文通过总结文献,介绍SIDS的发展历史、研究现状和新的发展趋势,并结合2004年各国学者在美国圣地亚哥公布的SIDS分型,讨论实际检案中需注意的问题以及推进其调查研究的可行性。展开更多
目的应用生物信息学方法筛选出经尸体检验确诊的婴儿猝死综合征(sudden infant death syndrome,SIDS)和婴儿感染性猝死(infectious sudden death in infancy,ISDI)死者脑、心脏和肝组织中共有的差异表达mRNA,探讨SIDS与ISDI的共有分子...目的应用生物信息学方法筛选出经尸体检验确诊的婴儿猝死综合征(sudden infant death syndrome,SIDS)和婴儿感染性猝死(infectious sudden death in infancy,ISDI)死者脑、心脏和肝组织中共有的差异表达mRNA,探讨SIDS与ISDI的共有分子标记和发生机制。方法下载GSE70422、GSE136992数据集,用R软件limma包筛选SIDS和ISDI死者不同组织样本中差异表达的mRNA,进行重叠分析,并用R软件clusterProfiler包进行基因本体论(gene ontology,GO)和京都基因和基因组数据库(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes,KEGG)富集分析,使用STRING数据库构建蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用(protein-protein interaction,PPI)网络,基于cytoHubba插件筛选hub基因。结果与数据集中的对照组相比,SIDS和ISDI死者组织样本中有19个显著的共同差异基因,其中心脏组织中16个、肝组织中3个,心脏组织星形肌动蛋白1(astrotactin 1,ASTN1)基因表达差异最显著。PPI网络确定了Ras同源基因家族成员A(ras homolog family member A,RHOA)、整合素亚单位α1(integrin subunit alpha 1,ITGA1)和H2B簇状组蛋白5(H2B clustered histone 5,H2BC5)是hub基因。GO和KEGG分析结果表明,共同差异基因富集在肌动蛋白细胞骨架的调节、黏着斑及对霉酚酸的反应等分子通路中。结论ASTN1、RHOA和ITGA1可能参与SIDS与ISDI的发生发展。共同差异基因富集在免疫与炎症反应相关通路中,说明SIDS与ISDI在免疫与炎症反应方面可能存在共同的分子调控机制。这些发现有望为SIDS与ISDI的分子解剖和法医学鉴定提供新的生物标记。展开更多
The article aims to underline the impact of nicotine and pesticides on neuronal <i>α</i>7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expression in brainstem regions receiving cholinergic projections, given their f...The article aims to underline the impact of nicotine and pesticides on neuronal <i>α</i>7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expression in brainstem regions receiving cholinergic projections, given their fundamental role during the neuronal development. The in-depth histopathological/immunohistochemical examination of the autonomic nervous system performed at the “Lino Rossi” Research Center of the Milan University on a wide group of sudden unexpected fetal and infant deaths, highlighted the frequent hypodevelopment of brainstem structures checking the vital functions associated to altered expression of <i>α</i>7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and smoke absorption in pregnancy. A dysregulation of the catecholamine system was also observed in the cerebellar cortex of the same cases. However, in a not negligible percentage of sudden deaths with altered expression of <i>α</i>7-nicotinic receptors, the mothers never smoked but lived in rural areas. Specific analytical procedures showed the presence of agricultural pesticides in cerebral cortex samples of these victims. Therefore, it is possible to believe that the exposition to pesticides during pregnancy can produce the same harmful effects as nicotine on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Moreover, alterations of <i>α</i>7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors receptor expression were also detected in the lungs of many sudden perinatal death victims, allowing to consider even these findings as possible consequence of maternal exposure to toxic factors.展开更多
文摘Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is an unexpected death of infants under one year old. SIDS is the most common cause of death for infants after the first month of birth, commonly between two and four months. MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology can be very useful to help us to avoid this horrible tragedy. In the present work, using a MEMS technology, an intelligent pacifier is designed to alarm any unusual changes in breathing during sleeping. A PZT (Piezoelectric) sensor is utilized to detect the force generated by breathing and convert it to a measurable voltage and alarm the risky breathing during infant's sleeping. This voltage can subsequently drive some simple alarm and make parents aware of hazard.
文摘AIM:To identify a hypothesis on:Supine sleep,sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS) reduction and association with increasing autism incidence.METHODS:Literature was searched for autism spectrum disorder incidence time trends,with correlation of change-points matching supine sleep campaigns.A mechanistic model expanding the hypothesis was constructed based on further review of epidemiological and other literature on autism.RESULTS:In five countries(Denmark,United Kingdom,Australia,Israel,United States) with published time trends of autism,change-points coinciding with supine sleep campaigns were identified.The model proposes that supine sleep does not directly cause autism,but increases the likelihood of expression of a subset of autistic criteria in individuals with genetic susceptibility,thereby specifically increasing the incidence of autism without intellectual disability.CONCLUSION:Supine sleep is likely a physiological stressor,that does reduce SIDS,but at the cost of impact on emotional and social development in the population,a portion of which will be susceptible to,and consequently express autism.A re-evaluation of all benefits and harms of supine sleep is warranted.If the SIDS mechanism proposed and autism model presented can be verified,the research agenda may be better directed,in order to further decrease SIDS,and reduce autism incidence.
文摘Objective To find the pathogenesis of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) from changes of pulmonary surfactant. Methods By means of thin layer chromatography technique, surfactant in whole lung specimens of 10 infants with SIDS and 10 control infants without SIDS (dead of nonrespiratory diseases) were examined qualitatively and quantitatively. Results Eleven components in pulmonary surfactant were examined qualitatively, including lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, cholesterol and neutral lipids. Quantitative examination showed that the amount of surfactant of whole lung specimens in sudden death group [(8.9±1.0) mg/g wet lung weight] was significantly less than that in control group [(12.6±1.4) mg/g wet lung weight, P<0.01]. Qualitative variance showed that the percentages of phosphatidylcholine (49.4%±2.0%) and phosphatidylglycerol (2.6%±0.7%) decreased markedly in sudden death group compared with those in control group (61.5%±3.0% and 4.3%±1.5%, P<0.01). Conclusion Before death there is serious defect on metabolism of pulmonary surfactant in sudden death infants, with the amount decreasing and the ratio of its components being disturbed, which is one of the important pathogenies of SIDS.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korea government(MSIT,RS-2023-00248157)。
文摘Background Comprehensive quantitative evidence on the risk and protective factors for sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS)effects is lacking.We investigated the risk and protective factors related to SIDS.Methods We conducted an umbrella review of meta-analyses of observational and interventional studies assessing SIDS-related factors.PubMed/MEDLINE,Embase,EBSCO,and Google Scholar were searched from inception until January 18,2023.Data extraction,quality assessment,and certainty of evidence were assessed by using A Measurement Tool Assessment Systematic Reviews 2 following PRISMA guidelines.According to observational evidence,credibility was graded and classified by class and quality of evidence(CE;convincing,highly suggestive,suggestive,weak,or not significant).Our study protocol was registered with PROSPERO(CRD42023458696).The risk and protective factors related to SIDS are presented as equivalent odds ratios(eORs).Results We identified eight original meta-analyses,including 152 original articles,covering 12 unique risk and protective factors for SIDS across 21 countries/regions and five continents.Several risk factors,including prenatal drug exposure[eOR=7.84(95%CI=4.81–12.79),CE=highly suggestive],prenatal opioid exposure[9.55(95%CI=4.87–18.72),CE=suggestive],prenatal methadone exposure[9.52(95%CI=3.34–27.10),CE=weak],prenatal cocaine exposure[4.38(95%CI=1.95–9.86),CE=weak],prenatal maternal smoking[2.25(95%CI=1.95–2.60),CE=highly suggestive],postnatal maternal smoking[1.97(95%CI=1.75–2.22),CE=weak],bed sharing[2.89(95%CI=1.81–4.60),CE=weak],and infants found with heads covered by bedclothes after last sleep[11.01(95%CI=5.40–22.45),CE=suggestive],were identified.On the other hand,three protective factors,namely,breastfeeding[0.57(95%CI=0.39–0.83),CE=non-significant],supine sleeping position[0.48(95%CI=0.37–0.63),CE=suggestive],and pacifier use[0.44(95%CI=0.30–0.65),CE=weak],were also identified.Conclusions Based on the evidence,we propose several risk and protective factors for SIDS.This study suggests the need for further studies on SIDS-related factors supported by weak credibility,no association,or a lack of adequate research.
文摘Background:The objective of our study is to measure the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS),estimate the birth to death interval,and identify associated maternal and infant risk factors.Methods:We carried out a population-based cohort study on 37418280 births using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's"Linked Birth-Infant Death"and"Fetal Death"data files from 1995 to 2004.Descriptive statistics and cox-proportional hazard models were used to estimate the adjusted effect of maternal and newborn characteristics on the risk of SIDS.Results:There were 24101 cases of SIDS identified for an overall 10-year incidence of 6.4 cases per 10000 births.Over the study period,the incidence decreased from 8.1 to 5.6 per 10000 and appeared to be most common among infants aged 2-4 months.Risk factors inchuded maternal age<20 years,black,non-Hispanic race,smoking,increasing parity,inadequate prenatal care,prematurity and growth restriction.Conclusions:While the incidence of SIDS in the US has declined,it currently remains the leading cause of post-neonatal mortality,highlighting an important public health priority.Educational campaigns should be targeted towards mothers at increased risk in order to raise their awareness of modifiable risk factors for SIDS such as maternal smoking and inadequate prenatal care.
文摘The serotonin transporter(5‑HTT)gene has been considered one of the risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS),but the association remains unconfirmed.This meta‑analysis was performed to quantitatively summarize the evidence for such a relationship.PubMed,EMBASE,and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for eligible studies within a range of published years from 1990 to December 2015.The odds ratios(ORs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)were used to assess the different associations.A total of 8 studies with 624 cases and 796 controls were included for 5‑HTT promoter polymorphism,5 studies with 418 cases and 542 controls for intron 2,and 3 studies with 253 cases and 334 controls for haplotype.The pooled examinations showed an overall increased SIDS risk for the 5‑HTT promoter polymorphism(OR=1.65,95%CI=1.03–2.63,P=0.035 for LL vs.LS and SS;OR=1.46,95%CI=1.04–2.04,P=0.028 for L vs.S),but no association(OR=1.00,95%CI=0.75–1.33,P=0.994 for 10+9 carriers vs.12/12;OR=0.97,95%CI=0.79–1.19,P=0.753 for 10+9 vs.12)for intron 2 polymorphism,and an unreliable association(OR=0.52,95%CI=0.31–0.87,P=0.013)for S‑9 and S‑10 haplotypes.This meta‑analysis suggests that the L allele or LL homozygote of 5‑HTT promoter polymorphism has an increased risk for SIDS,while intron 2 polymorphism has no association with SIDS.
文摘婴儿猝死综合征(sudden infant death syndrome,SIDS)是婴儿死亡的重要原因。2013年HRS/EHRA/APHRS专家共识将不明原因的婴儿猝死纳入遗传性心律失常范围。约12%的SIDS由长QT综合征导致,与SIDS相关的离子通道病还包括Brugada综合征、儿茶酚胺敏感性多形性室速、短QT综合征。此外,研究发现早期复极常伴随长QT综合征、Brugada综合征、短QT综合征疾病出现,并且进一步增加心律失常事件的风险。心电图描记术简单、无创、廉价、易行,对遗传性心律失常诱发的SIDS有重要的筛查、预警和诊断意义。
文摘婴儿猝死综合征(dudden infant death s yndrome,SIDS)一直是法医学和儿科学领域的研究热点。相对于北美、欧洲、澳洲以及日本等地对SIDS广泛深入的研究,来自中国的报道相对较少。本文通过总结文献,介绍SIDS的发展历史、研究现状和新的发展趋势,并结合2004年各国学者在美国圣地亚哥公布的SIDS分型,讨论实际检案中需注意的问题以及推进其调查研究的可行性。
文摘目的应用生物信息学方法筛选出经尸体检验确诊的婴儿猝死综合征(sudden infant death syndrome,SIDS)和婴儿感染性猝死(infectious sudden death in infancy,ISDI)死者脑、心脏和肝组织中共有的差异表达mRNA,探讨SIDS与ISDI的共有分子标记和发生机制。方法下载GSE70422、GSE136992数据集,用R软件limma包筛选SIDS和ISDI死者不同组织样本中差异表达的mRNA,进行重叠分析,并用R软件clusterProfiler包进行基因本体论(gene ontology,GO)和京都基因和基因组数据库(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes,KEGG)富集分析,使用STRING数据库构建蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用(protein-protein interaction,PPI)网络,基于cytoHubba插件筛选hub基因。结果与数据集中的对照组相比,SIDS和ISDI死者组织样本中有19个显著的共同差异基因,其中心脏组织中16个、肝组织中3个,心脏组织星形肌动蛋白1(astrotactin 1,ASTN1)基因表达差异最显著。PPI网络确定了Ras同源基因家族成员A(ras homolog family member A,RHOA)、整合素亚单位α1(integrin subunit alpha 1,ITGA1)和H2B簇状组蛋白5(H2B clustered histone 5,H2BC5)是hub基因。GO和KEGG分析结果表明,共同差异基因富集在肌动蛋白细胞骨架的调节、黏着斑及对霉酚酸的反应等分子通路中。结论ASTN1、RHOA和ITGA1可能参与SIDS与ISDI的发生发展。共同差异基因富集在免疫与炎症反应相关通路中,说明SIDS与ISDI在免疫与炎症反应方面可能存在共同的分子调控机制。这些发现有望为SIDS与ISDI的分子解剖和法医学鉴定提供新的生物标记。
文摘The article aims to underline the impact of nicotine and pesticides on neuronal <i>α</i>7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expression in brainstem regions receiving cholinergic projections, given their fundamental role during the neuronal development. The in-depth histopathological/immunohistochemical examination of the autonomic nervous system performed at the “Lino Rossi” Research Center of the Milan University on a wide group of sudden unexpected fetal and infant deaths, highlighted the frequent hypodevelopment of brainstem structures checking the vital functions associated to altered expression of <i>α</i>7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and smoke absorption in pregnancy. A dysregulation of the catecholamine system was also observed in the cerebellar cortex of the same cases. However, in a not negligible percentage of sudden deaths with altered expression of <i>α</i>7-nicotinic receptors, the mothers never smoked but lived in rural areas. Specific analytical procedures showed the presence of agricultural pesticides in cerebral cortex samples of these victims. Therefore, it is possible to believe that the exposition to pesticides during pregnancy can produce the same harmful effects as nicotine on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Moreover, alterations of <i>α</i>7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors receptor expression were also detected in the lungs of many sudden perinatal death victims, allowing to consider even these findings as possible consequence of maternal exposure to toxic factors.