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Neural Maturational Delay as a Link in the Chain of Events Leading to SIDS

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

Laurence E. Becker
Laurence E. Becker*
Affiliation:
Division of Neuropathology (Department of Pathology), The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto
*
Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
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Abstract:

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Although numerous etiological or triggering factors have been suggested in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the underlying mechanism of death is ultimately cardiac and/or respiratory in nature. As there is no evidence of lung or heart abnormalities, attention has focussed on the neural control of respiration and cardiac function. It is important to appreciate the methodological limitations involved in utilizing autopsy material and the criteria for selection of appropriate controls. This report reviews the pathological evidence for developmental delay in SIDS emphasizing delay of neural maturation of both myelination and synapses. Other abnormalities of the nervous system apparently associated with hypoxia-ischemia such as brainstem astrogliosis are also discussed. The occurrence of SIDS at a precise age together with our preliminary studies indicate that neural developmental delay is an important link in the chain of events leading to SIDS.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 17 , Issue 4 , November 1990 , pp. 361 - 371
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1990

References

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