Ethnic differences in incidence of sudden infant death syndrome in Birmingham

Article Abstract:

There are important differences in the death rates among infants between inner city communities and more affluent suburban areas of Birmingham, England; at the same time, differences between the northern and southern regions have evened out. The primary cause of infant mortality is the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Studies have examined the importance of educating parents about child care, the infant's sleeping position, and social aspects. A possibly significant issue in the etiology of SIDS involves ethnic factors. Details of birth and survival during the first year of life of all children born in Birmingham, England were used to study the breakdown of SIDS by ethnic group, social class, maternal age, birth weight, and number of persons in the household. Of all the variables studied, only Asian descent, birth weight under 1,500 grams (3.3 pounds), and unemployed parents reached levels of significance. Asian ethnicity was associated with a low risk of SIDS, while very low birth weight and unemployment were associated with an increased risk. There has been an increase in postneonatal mortality among infants of Afro-Caribbean and Asian descent compared with infant mortality among whites. In most studies, poor social circumstances are associated with SIDS, with most deaths occurring in families living in deprived areas. There is evidence from the literature that crowded households offer an advantage, since there is continuous stimulus to the baby. Further study is needed to identify subgroups of populations that may be related to the etiology of SIDS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of

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As sick as a pigeon - psittacosis myelitis

Article Abstract:

Psittacosis is a viral disease carried by certain birds. A case history is discussed of a previously healthy 15-year-old boy who developed a cough with purulent (pus-containing) sputum, and eight days later developed paresthesias ("pins and needles") and leg weakness. He had flaccid paralysis below the knees with impaired sensation; over the next six days he completely lost sphincter control. His recovery was slow and accompanied by painful muscle contractions, urinary incontinence and depression. During a depressive episode, he revealed that his father had kept racing pigeons and that several had died during the previous year. He had been given the job of cleaning the cages. Psittacosis was found in a paralyzed bird. On the basis of this information, the patient's blood was analyzed, and it, too, showed evidence of psittacosis. Two years following his illness, the patient had regained some mobility and sphincter control, but was still confined to a wheelchair because of diminished leg strength. Further improvement is not expected, since maximum recovery usually occurs within six months. The authors point out that this case illustrates the advisability of inquiring into a patient's contact with pets where there is a puzzling or bizarre illness with no apparent cause. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Psittacosis, Parrot fever

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International trends in postneonatal mortality

Article Abstract:

The infant death rate is often used to measure the effectiveness of a country's health services. Infant mortality can be divided into newborn (neonatal) deaths of infants aged 1 to 5 months, and deaths of older infants (postneonatal) aged 6 to 11 months. The neonatal death rate indicates the quality of care a mother receives prior to and immediately after the birth of her child, and the postneonatal death rate reflects social factors. A recent study examined the trends in infant mortality from 1966 to 1987 in infants aged 1 to 5 months and 6 to 11 months for Australia, Canada, England, Whales, New Zealand, and Sweden. The mortality of infants aged one to five months was lowest in Sweden, but increased in New Zealand and Whales. During the time period studied, infant mortality due to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) increased in all countries, especially in Sweden and New zealand, and was highest in infants aged one to five months. SIDS was responsible for 50 percent of the deaths in this age group. Compared with the younger group, the mortality of babies aged 6 to 11 months decreased by almost 50 percent in all of the countries examined. Further studies are needed to examine why the incidence of SIDS has increased in all the countries that were studied. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Infants (Newborn), Newborn infants

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