SIDS Linked to Early Atherosclerosis
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) appears to be associated with early atherosclerotic lesions, according to a study presented on Sunday at the Argentine Congress of Cardiology. However, the mechanism of the association is unclear, the researchers said. Dr. Jose Milei and colleagues, at the University of Buenos Aires Cardiological Research Institute, analyzed autopsy samples of […]
Head Covering May Increase SIDS Risk
Babies who die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are often found with their heads covered by bedding, and now new research suggests that this covering usually precedes death and may, in fact, be causally related. This finding supports current recommendations to avoid head covering as a means of reducing the risk of SIDS, lead […]
Hearing Test May Identify Newborns at Risk for SIDS
A newborn hearing screening test may identify children at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to findings published in the July 3rd advance issue of Early Human Development. The disruption of the vestibular function of the inner ear may interfere with respiratory control during sleep, the authors explain, and newborn transient evoked otoacoustic […]
Potential Neuroregulatory Basis for SIDS
SIDS cases had significantly more serotonergic system abnormalities than did controls. Summary Although sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of mortality during the first year of life, no unifying neurophysiologic basis has been identified. The serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) system of the medulla oblongata helps regulate autonomic and respiratory function and has been […]
Gastric Aspiration, SIDS, and CPR?
Aspiration of Gastric Contents in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Without Cardiopulmonary ResuscitationKrous HF, Masoumi H, Haas EA, Chadwick AE, Stanley C, Thach BTJ Pediatr. 2007;150:241-246 Summary This study attempted to shed light on whether gastric contents are likely to be found in infants who died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Previous pediatric literature had […]
SIDS Risk Higher in Infants of HIV-Positive Women Who Use Opiates
Risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is 69 times higher for babies of HIV-positive women who used opiates during pregnancy than in the general population of similarly aged infants, Swiss researchers report in the November issue of the Archives of the Disease in Childhood. Increased SIDS risk did not appear to be mediated by […]
Adenotonsillectomy May Improve Cognition in Children With Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Treating mild sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) via adenotonsillectomy in children can lead to improvements in cerebral blood flow and cognition, according to a report in the July issue of Pediatrics. “Perhaps subtle behavioral changes that are known to occur in children who snore, may be reversible with amelioration of snoring,” Dr. Fenella J. Kirkham told Reuters […]
Controversies of Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer in Elderly Patients: Commentary from F1000
Rutten HJ, den Dulk M, Lemmens VE, van de Velde CJ, Marijnen CA Lancet Oncol 2008 May 9(5):494-501 Commentary from Faculty Member Riccardo Audisio This paper highlights the absolute necessity of tailoring treatment options to elderly patients with cancer. Optimal management of young individuals should not necessarily be assumed to be appropriate for the elderly […]
Overall Outcomes Better With Laparoscopic Than Open Gastric Bypass
Compared with open gastric bypass surgery, performing the procedure laparoscopically reduces postoperative complications as well as the need for reoperation and is associated with a shorter hospital stay, new research shows. Nevertheless, laparoscopic gastric bypass does incur higher total costs. The study, reported in the Annals of Surgery for July, analyzed data for 19,156 subjects […]
Liver Cancer Surgery Benefits Patients With Multiple Tumors, Portal Hypertension
Hepatic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) should not be contraindicated in patients with multiple tumors or portal hypertension (PHT), according to a report from Japan in the June issue of Gastroenterology. “Surgical indications recommended by the AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Disease) guideline and BCLC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer) staging system may […]