In some of the latest research on
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (S.I.D.S.) scientists
are now explaining why back sleeping infants are less
likely to succumb to SIDS. The theory suggests that
stomach sleeping infants may have decreased blood
flow to their brain. This, in turn, narrows certain
arteries that feed the brain its necessary oxygen,
and may increase SIDS risk.
In a recent study, Dr.Stefan Puig of
the University of Vienna, Austria stated..."we
found that 71% of the children diagnosed with SIDS
and 29% of the other infants had narrowed vertebral
arteries when they were put on their stomachs and
their necks were rotated to the left or right."
The results of this study were discussed
in late April (2002) at the annual meeting of the
American Roentgen Ray Society (Radiologists), in Atlanta,
Ga. Infants, say the researchers, are able to turn
their heads further, from side-to-side, than children
or adults. This could be part of the answer as to
why some infants experience SIDS.
Dr. Puig further stated...."our
study underlines the possible danger of (stomach)
sleeping and supports the recent international effort
encouraging parents to have their infants sleep ontheir
backs." SIDS remains one of the leading causes
of infant death in this country (particularly in the
under 4 month age group). It accounted for nearly
3,000 deaths in the under one age group in 1998. |
