Abstract
HX levels were measured, in vitreous humour in 19 SIDS cases. The results were compared with levels found in adults who died from trauma, hanging, myocardial infarction (MI) or intoxication (l). The HX levels in SIDS were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the cases with immediate deaths from trauma, hanging or MI, tut similar to those obtained in persons who died from drug intoxication (Table).
Death from drug intoxication often follows a period of prolonged hypoxemia. Since HX is elevated in hypoxia the increased levels of HX in SIDS thus favours the theory that SIDS is associated with prolonged cerebral hypoxia. Conversely the finding is contradictory to the hypothesis that acute reflectory death mechanisms are involved in SIDS.
1. Saugstad CD, Olaisen B. Post-mortem hypoxanthine levels in the vitrous humour. Forensic Sci. Int. 1978, 12, 33-36
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Rognum, T., Olaisen, B. & Saugstad, O. 44 HIGH VITREOUS HUMOUR HYPOXANTHINE (HX) LEVEL IN SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS) INDICATES PROLONGED CEREBRAL HYPOXIA. Pediatr Res 20, 1041 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198610000-00098
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198610000-00098