Sudden infant death
A team of researchers from the American Mayo Clinic discovers a gene that may be related to the sudden death of children. After analyzing the tissues of 93 children killed by sudden death syndrome, the researchers discovered that in two cases there was a punctual error in the SCN5A gene in the heart. Its function is to encode the sodium chain of heart cells that control heart rhythm. Researchers who have done the work have recognized that the appearance of the same mutation in 2 out of 93 cases is not, in quantitative terms, very significant, but, however, is the first molecular evidence of this disease.
In developed countries, sudden death syndrome causes the most deaths in children's first year of life: 2 per 1,000 children. 80% of deaths occur in the first six months of life, 15% in the second six months and 5% after the year. Since the causes of this syndrome are not known, the only option is to have children controlled.
And lately researchers have chosen this route. For example, a pyjamas called Mamagoose appeared in September, which helps prevent sudden death syndrome. This pajamas has five sensors to monitor the heartbeat, heart rhythm, and breathing of the child. Sensors to prevent allergies circulate inside the pajamas, which is the same material as garments worn by ESA astronauts. It is expected to be launched in 2003.
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