A deficiency of BChE could present inherent vulnerability to SIDS in some infants, they said.
This paper produces suggestive evidence that there may be some correlation between this enzyme and SIDS.
Lay the baby on their back when they are too young to turn themselves over.
Cavan Images / Getty Images
Still, there were about 1,250 deaths from SIDS in 2019, according to CDC data.
Theres currently no way to test for a childs risk of developing SIDS.
Because SIDS is such a complex and multi-faceted diagnosis, it can be difficult to pinpoint the culprit.
What Did the Study Actually Find?
BChE, in conjunction with other enzymes, works to regulate the cholinergic system.
Low levels of this enzyme could indicate that the cholinergic system is not functioning at full capacity.
The findings open up new potential for research, Howard said.
While the average BChE levels differed between the groups, there was a fair bit of overlap.
Harrington said her team will continue to investigate the role of the cholinergic system.
I know that in three to five years time, this will be a thing of the past.
Howard is less hopeful that scientists will find a definite cause for SIDS so quickly.
It will take much more extensive studies and a deeper understanding of the connection between BChE and SIDS outcomes.
Maybe in our lifetime, we will see that, but Im not sure.
What This Means For You
Scientists have yet to find the exact cause of SIDS.
Harrington CT, Hafid NA, Waters KA.Butyrylcholinesterase is a potential biomarker for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.EBioMedicine.
2022;80:104041. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104041.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Research on back sleeping and SIDS.
