Hypothesis on supine sleep,sudden infant death syndrome reduction and association with increasing autism incidence

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.

A MEMS Design for an Intelligent Pacifier for Preventing Sudden Infant＇s Death Syndrome （SIDS Alarm）

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.

Early repolarization syndrome: A cause of sudden cardiac death

Early repolarization syndrome(ERS), demonstrated as J-point elevation on an electrocardiograph, was formerly thought to be a benign entity, but the recent studies have demonstrated that it can be linked to a considerable risk of life- threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death(SCD). Early repolarization characteristics associated with SCD include high-amplitude J-point elevation, horizontal and/or downslopping ST segments, and inferior and/or lateral leads location. The prevalence of ERS varies between 3% and 24%, depending on age, sex and J-point elevation(0.05 m V vs 0.1 m V) being the main determinants.ERS patients are sporadic and they are at a higher risk of having recurrent cardiac events. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation and isoproterenol are the suggested therapies in this set of patients. On the other hand, asymptomatic patients with ERS are common and have a better prognosis. The risk stratification in asymptomatic patients with ERS still remains a grey area. This review provides an outline of the up-to-date evidence associated with ERS and the risk of life- threatening arrhythmias. Further prospective studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmogenesis in patients with ERS.

Spontaneous type 1 pattern, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in Brugada Syndrome： an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Brugada syndrome （BrS） is primary electrical disorder characterized by ST segment elevation with right bundle branch block morphology in patients with apparent structurally normal hearts, It predisposes affected individuals to ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation （VT/VF） and sudden cardiac death （SCD）.A number of studies have identified risk factors that are associated with a more malignant course of disease. These include male gender, syncope, a spontaneous type 1 ECG pattern, family history of SCD, family history of Brugada syndrome,

Sudden Death due to Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Induced by Pul- monary Renal Syndrome： Two Case Reports

Patients developing hemoptysis or pulmonary infiltrates together with glomerulonephritis, particu- larly the rapidly progressive cases, are considered to be pulmonary renal syndrome （PRS）. The occur- rence of PRS, an etiologically rare heterogeneous group of diseases, constitutes a medical emergency associated with a high risk of fatal outcome.

Diurnal Temperature Range as a Novel Risk Factor for Sudden Infant Death

Objective To assess the relationship between diurnal temperature range （DTR） and sudden infant death （SID） between 2001 and 2004 in Shanghai,China.Methods We conducted a time‐stratified case‐crossover analysis to estimate the percent increase of SID associated with changes in DTR after adjustment for daily weather conditions （temperature and relative humidity） and outdoor air pollution.Results DTR was significantly associated with daily SID.An increase of 1 °C in the current‐day （L0） and in the 2‐day moving average （L01） DTR corresponds to a 1.56% （95% CI：0.97%,2.15%） and a 1.89% （95% CI：1.17%,2.60%） increase in SID,respectively.Conclusion An increased DTR was associated with an increased risk of SID in Shanghai.More studies are needed to understand the effect of DTR on infant deaths.

Unsuspected imported malaria in a case of sudden infant death

Here we describe the case of a 4-mo-old female who died suddenly without any apparent cause that was initially mistaken as a case of sudden infant death syndrome. Histologic observation of brain sections revealed blue-black bodies in erythrocytes of the blood vessels, suggestive of specific stages of the hematic schizogonic cycle. Further examinations revealed hemozoin and hemosiderin deposits in the parenchyma of all organs, leading to the diagnosis of malaria by Plasmodium falciparum(P. falciparum). The death occurred in Italy, the native country of the infant, two weeks after a Christmas holiday spent in Pakistan, the parents' birthplace, which has a high malarial endemicity. As this case demonstrates, the diagnosis of malaria should always be considered as a differential diagnosis in subjects, including infants, that die unexpectedly after returning from P. falciparum endemic areas.

Multidisciplinary approach to suspected sudden unexpected infant death caused by milk-aspiration:A case report

BACKGROUND The term sudden unexpected infant death(SUID)is not always properly invoked.It refers to a broad range of conditions that sometimes defy classification.There is not only a strong emotional impact on the family,but such cases are also quite complex.Underlying causes may be multiple,not always readily apparent,and have potential repercussions,especially in terms of forensics.CASE SUMMARY A 5-month-old male baby was pronounced dead following acute lung failure and cardiopulmonary arrest.The parents had immediately rushed their child to the hospital,stating the baby was found prone and not breathing.Total-body postmortem computed tomography(PMCT)was performed,revealing a hypodense material of indeterminate nature within the main airways and areas of ground-glass parenchymal change.At autopsy,the respiratory tract mucosa appeared edematous and was coated with a whitish stringy material.There was widespread airspace reduction due to parenchymal collapse.Alveolar sacs and bronchial openings contained abundant amorphous material admixed with white blood cells.Immunohistochemical studies were performed,targeting CD15,CD68,and alpha-lactalbumin.Ultimately,the focus was on alpha-lactalbumin(milk protein),which showed marked immunopositivity within alveolar spaces.Cytoplasmic staining of macrophages was also particularly prominent.CONCLUSION Postmortem investigations are thus essential to identify causes of death and surrounding circumstances.PMCT is a useful tool in this setting,given the frequent dearth of autopsy findings and ambiguity as to cause of death in SUID cases.These findings,later confirmed by immunohistochemical investigations,were indicative of active pneumonia due to aspirated milk.The present account illustrates the importance a broad diagnostic approach to SUID in cases of forensic concern.PMCT is a very valuable aid in cases of forensic interest,as it can provide useful information in all those situations in which the cause of death is uncertain or there are no suggestive dynamics or lesions.

Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy and Sudden Infant Death Using the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey: A Case-Case Study

We utilized data from the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey (NMHIS) to analyze the risk of SIDS and other infant deaths among women who smoke during pregnancy adjusting for potentially modifiable risk factors such as secondhand smoke exposure and breastfeeding. The following variables were assessed with respect to risk for SIDS and other infant deaths: smoking exposure, level of education, infant and maternal age, infant and maternal birthweight, maternal BMI, gender, secondhand smoke exposure, breast feeding, prenatal vitamins, WIC, multiple gestation, sleep apnea monitor prescription, sleep apnea incidents and maternal alcohol use. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify variables significantly associated with the odds of mortality from SIDS. Analysis utilized weighted estimates using SUDAAN 9.0.0 to adjust for design effects. A p-value <0.01 was considered statistically significant. Women who smoked during pregnancy were 1.83 times more likely to give birth to an infant that died from SIDS versus some other cause of death, OR (95%) = 1.83(1.33, 2.51). Other Race infants and Black infants were more likely to suffer SIDS mortality than White infants, but the result was not significant in the final model. Other modifiable risk factors, such as secondhand smoke exposure and breast feeding, were not significant predictors of SIDS mortality. Independent of sociodemographic variables and other potential risk factors for SIDS death, maternal smoking was associated with an increased risk of SIDS death versus other death. This study highlights the importance of screening all pregnant women for tobacco use and emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation to decrease the risk of infant death from SIDS.

Analogs of Antifungal Indoles Isolated from Aporpium Caryae with Activity Against Sudden-Death Syndrome of Soybean

Based on the precedent discovery of a weak antifungal indole isolated from Aporpium caryae, which increased its activity when changing the N-alkyl chain, nineteen N-alkyl indoles, with alkyl chains from one to ten carbons and one or two hydroxyls, one amine or bromine functional groups, were prepared and fully characterized by spectroscopic methods. The aim of this study is the search for new synthetic agrochemical leads derived from natural products. The antifungal activity of the synthesized compounds against three fungal strains was measured in vitro. Six compounds presented good activity against Fusarium virguliforme, the causal agent of sudden-death syndrome (SDS) in soybean, in a bioautography assay. Four of them were tested in a germination test and in a greenhouse experiment. All tested compounds, applied as seed treatment, showed antifungal properties being effective to control SDS when there was low level of fungal contamination. Results indicate that some of the tested compounds are acting as growth inhibitors and represent new leads for the treatment of SDS for which no specific treatment has been previously reported.

Study on Pulmonary Surfactant of Sudden Death of Infant

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.

Prenatal and postnatal factors associated with sudden infant death syndrome:an umbrella review of meta-analyses

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.

Pacemaker implantation in a patient with brugada and sick sinus syndrome

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a rare and inherited primary arrhythmic syndrome characterized by ST-segment elevations in the right precordial leads (V1 -V3 ) with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Arrhythmias in BrS are often nocturne, and brady-arrhythmias are often seen in patients with loss-of-function mutations in SCN5A . In this case-report we present a 75-year old woman referred to our outpatient clinic for inherited cardiac diseases for a familial clinical work-up. Since childhood she had suffered from dizziness, absence seizures, and countless Syncope's. In 2004 sick sinus syndrome was suspected and she wastreated with implantation of a pacemaker (PM) at another institution. An inherited cardiac disease was one day suddenly suspected, as the patient had a 61-year old brother who was diagnosed with symptomatic BrS, and treated with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) after aborted SCD. A mutation screening revealed a SCN5A [S231CfsX251 (c.692-693delCA )] loss-of-function mutation not previously reported, and as a part of the cascade screening in relatives she was therefore referred to our clinic. In the 7 year period after PM implantation she had experienced no cardiac symptoms, although her electrocardiogram changes now were consistent with a BrS type 1 pattern. A genetic test confirmed that she had the same mutation in SCN5A as her brother. In this case-report we present a loss-of function mutation in SCN5A not previously associated with BrS nor presented in healthy controls. Sinus node dysfunction has previously been documented in patients with symptomatic BrS, which suggests it is not a rare concomitant. The only accepted treatment of BrS is today implantation of an ICD. In the future studies should evaluate if PM in some cases of symptomatic BrS can be used instead of ICDs in patients with a loss-of-function SCN5A

Incidence and determinants of sudden infant death syndrome:a population-based study on 37 million births

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.

Meta‑analysis of the Association between Serotonin Transporter Polymorphisms and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

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.

CHANGES OF MYOCARDIAL MYOGLOBIN, MYOSIN AND CREATINE KINASE IN CASES OF SUDDEN NOCTURNAL DEATH SYNDROME

Myoglobin, myosin creatine kinase MM (CK-MM),creatine kinase BB(CK-BB) in cardiac muscle and H chain ofmyosin in atrial and ventricular muscle were studied in speci-mens from 8 patients who died of sudden nocturnal deathsyndrome(SNDS) by avidin-biotin complex (ABC) method toinvestigate the possible early or very early myocardial ischemiain the syndrome. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conductedfor comparison. The results showed evident loss of CK-MM,CK-BB, myoglobin and myosin from cardiac muscle cells, indi-caring that occurrence of SNDS is closely associated withacute myocardial ischemia.

Sudden Death in Goldenhar Syndrome

Goldenhar syndrome(GS)is a rare congenital disorder that is characterized by incomplete development of the ear,eye,nose,soft palate,lip,and jaw.It is also called oculo-auriculo-vertebral syndrome of Goldenhar,the name describes the common structural problems seen with the eyes,ears,and vertebrae.The outlook for children with GS varies but is generally very positive.Most children can expect to live a healthy life once treatments have been administered.However,certain congenital heart defects seen in this syndrome such as ventricular septal defect(VSD),persistence of arterial conduct,tetralogy of Fallot,and big vessel transposition can lead to sudden death during childhood.These defects are usually diagnosed during intrauterine life by means of fetal echography,leading to termination of such pregnancy or necessary corrective measures after the birth of such child.If such a child dies,it will be certified by the treating pediatrician.Thus,an autopsy pathologist rarely comes across such deaths.One such case of a 45-day-old female infant suffering from craniofacial deformity who became breathless,cyanotic,and died on the way to the hospital is being discussed here.The right ventricle showed double outlets,arising from it were the pulmonary artery and aorta.A small subaortic VSD was seen.Generalized hypoplasia of all internal viscera on the right side was observed.

Sudden Cardiac Death Due to Long QT Syndrome

Identification of sudden cardiac death(SCD)with a structurally normal heart remains an important challenge in forensic pathology.Long QT syndrome(LQTS)is known as an inherited or acquired channelopathy,which is characterized with prolonged QT interval,and is likely to cause SCD in young adults.In this circumstance,no specific pathological change in the heart can be found anatomically or histologically in the LQTS victims.Thus,postmortem LQTS diagnosis is mainly based on clinical manifestations and genetic testing.Here,we reported a 26‑year‑old woman who was found dead at home with a history of unexplained syncope.Her clinical records and an electrocardiograph(ECG)obtained 3 months before her death showed a QTc interval of 539 ms which implicates the diagnosis of LQTS.Although the autopsy and pathological examination findings lacked specificity,we noticed enhanced lipofuscin accumulation in cardiomyocytes,which might be related to LQTS.After excluding potential diseases and injuries,we made the postmortem diagnosis as LQTS according to ECG,clinical history,and forensic postmortem findings.In conclusion,we provided clinical and pathological features of an SCD case due to LQTS,which might enrich the understanding of forensic postmortem SCD diagnosis with nonstructural cardiac diseases.

猝死37例死因分析

目的 分析不明原因死亡患者的疾病分布及尸检病理学特点。方法 收集不明原因死亡尸体 10 7例 ,解剖结果显示37例为猝死 ,占 35 % ,对其进行组织病理学检查。结果 37例猝死的疾病分布以心血管最常见 ,共 16例 ,占 4 3.2 % ,其次为呼吸系统、神经系统、消化系统疾病。结论 通过尸体解剖和病理学检查 ,为解决医疗纠纷和明确猝死死因提供科学的鉴定依据 。

云南猝死综合征的流行特征及其研究进展

云南猝死综合征（Yunnan sudden death syndrome，YSDS）是一种每年6～9月份发生在云南省中部和西北部海拔1815～2225 m的山区、半山区，以突然发病并死亡为特征且病因不明的疾病。该病以青壮年为主，女性多于男性，傈僳族、彝族和苗族发病率较高，具有家庭聚集性，临床表现多样，病理学特点缺乏特异性，发病原因与卫生、经济条件、硒铬微量元素缺乏、柯萨奇B组病毒感染、食用蘑菇及当地特殊地质条件相关。本文综述了YSDS的流行病学特征、临床表现、病理性特点、病因研究及假说，以期对YSDS进一步研究提供线索。