SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), also known as cot death, claims the lives of around 290 babies a year and is the leading cause of death in infants over one month old in the UK
On Monday 7 September, researchers gathered in London to talk about their research into SIDS and discuss ways to get one step closer to solving the mystery of why babies and toddlers are still dying unexpectedly.
The research has been funded by The Lullaby Trust, a UK charity that offers support to families who have lost their baby through SIDS and promote safer sleep for infants.
Professor of Paediatric Pathology at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Professor Neil Sebire, announced that the children’s hospital will introduce the largest single centre autopsy study of Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood (SUDC).
While SIDS has been widely investigated, Professor Neil Sebire proposes to look into unexpected deaths of infants over 12 months of age. The research study will focus on SUDC and finding characteristics in cases that could be linked to SIDS.
Chief executive of The Lullaby Trust, Francine Bates said: “The UK still have one of the worst infant mortality rates in Western Europe and only last month we saw a slight increase in the numbers of babies who die as a result of SIDS, causing heartbreak for hundreds of families every year.
“New research is vital in order to reduce the numbers of sudden infant deaths.”
From the University of Durham, Professor of Anthropology, Professor Helen Ball presented her research proposal into looking at a new approach to safer co-sleeping. The research aims to identify hazardous factors, which could lead to SIDS, and provide parents with tailored information about safer sleep for their child.
The Grantholders meeting took place at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in London, featuring presentations by current Grantholders and group discussions on future research into SIDS.
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