Advances in the genetic investigation of SIDS

Abstract

With the recognition through epidemiological studies that the prone sleeping position is a major cause of SIDS, simple measures have led to a significant reduction in its incidence. However, SIDS is still a major cause of infant mortality in the Western world, and in most cases detailed post-mortem examination fails to shed light on a possible aetiology. It is being increasingly recognised that apparent SIDS may be the consequence of a primary underlying genetic disorder, including inborn errors of metabolism (most especially fatty acid oxidation disorders), genetic defects of cardiac conduction (particularly a range of channelopathies), and hyper-trophic cardiomyopathies. In addition, polym..