Study aims to identify the risk of SIDS

A study funded by The Lullaby Trust hopes to have profound implications for preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The study is being carried out by University of Bristol and could allow babies at greater risk of SIDS to be identified by examining results from the newborn hearing screening test. Preventative steps could then be taken to help save the lives of those at high risk.

The team is investigating the findings of a study conducted in the USA in 2007 that showed that although all of the babies passed the newborn hearing test, there were subtle differences in the test results of babies who subsequently died of SIDS compared with babies who didn't. It is believed that the inner ear plays an important role in relaying vital information to other areas of the brain involved in survival and that, if this region is damaged, it could be part of the underlying specific condition that leads to SIDS. Although it is not known why SIDS occurs, research has shown that there are processes that can be followed to reduce the risk.

Almost every baby born in the UK has the newborn hearing screening test and the process is standardised, meaning that there is a wealth of consistent data to draw on. The ultimate aim of the study is to develop a screening tool at birth that would allow at risk babies to receive potentially life-saving monitoring and interventions.

For more information about the research, please visit www.lullabytrust.org.uk/ current-research

Meanwhile, The Lullaby Trust has launched a dedicated website for young parents, in a bid to tackle rising rates of SIDS in babies born to teenage mums.

Babies born to mothers below the age of 20 are four times more likely to die of SIDS than those born to mums aged 20 and over, according to the latest figures on unexplained deaths in infancy, released by the Office for National Statistics.

The Little Lullaby website (www.littlelullaby.org.uk), backed by The Big Lottery Fund, will provide young and expectant parents with the opportunity to learn what they can do to lower the risk of SIDS. The mobile friendly website will also contain forums where young parents can connect and discuss safer sleep for babies, as well as share advice and support one another through different aspects of pregnancy, birth and parenting.