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 | | Thursday, 2 May, 2002, 13:13 GMT 14:13 UK Gene 'may hold key' to cot death  Scientists are investigating a possible genetic cause A gene which helps keep the brain in good working order may hold the key to understanding the causes of cot death. Scientists in Edinburgh are investigating the possibility that infants fall victim to the condition because their brains are less able to cope with minor infections or overheating. Cot death, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), is a mysterious condition for which the cause is not known. It is estimated that seven babies die for no apparent reason every week in the UK, and cot death is the main reason for death in infants over one month old.
It is more common in winter than summer and boys are twice as likely to die as girls. Various theories have been put forward and now a team at the Western General hospital in Edinburgh are investigating a possible genetic cause. They are examining whether a particular form of gene is more common in cot deaths victims than infants who have died from other causes. The Scottish Cot Death Trust hopes such research may be the route to saving lives in future. The research is being carried out by the department of pathology at the Western General Hospital. Reduced risk Dr Angus Gibson, chairman of the Scottish Cot Death Trust, welcomed the new study. He said: "Up until now research into cot death has failed to give us any explanation of why these babies die. "Genetic research may be the route to finding a cause and saving the lives of many children in the future." Babies are most susceptible to cot death between the ages of one and three months, and 83% of fatalities have occurred by six months. Parents can reduce the risk by placing their baby to sleep on its back, with its head uncovered and its feet at the bottom of the cot. | |
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