Sudden infant death syndrome: resurgent research offers hope

Article Abstract:

Over the past 40 years systematic research has been conducted to uncover the cause of a tragic phenomenon that was documented more than 100 years ago as the unexplained death of healthy infants, known now as sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS. Knowledge about the causes of SIDS, which infants are at risk, and how SIDS can be prevented remains limited. With the expectation of a $30 to $40 million five-year government grant to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development for a broad multi-disciplinary research program, leaders in the field are hopeful. The definition of SIDS has been vague, describing sudden and unexpected infant death unexplained by postmortem examination. Because some demographic and epidemiologic information has been learned about SIDS in the past 10 years, and because such a broad definition created both research and diagnostic problems, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) assembled a group of experts in June 1989 to develop a definition which can serve as a benchmark for future research. Their report defines SIDS as the death of an infant under the age of one year which remains unexplained after postmortem examination, investigation of the death scene and case history review. Some provisos will be added to the definition. The NIH report recommends several areas of research including: premature infants and infants small for their gestational age; abnormal development of cardiorespiratory and sleep patterns; the role of infectious agents and immunologic functions; infant behavioral patterns; and metabolic disorders. A registry of SIDS deaths and the development of new and improved home monitors are also planned.

Research, Medical research, Research funding, United States. National Institutes of Health, Sudden infant death syndrome, United States. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

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Characterizing healthy adolescent development; distinguishing it from possible disturbances

Article Abstract:

Many, and often differing, views of adolescents were presented at a National Congress on Adolescent Health sponsored by the American Medical Association. Adolescence has been characterized by experts as a period of crisis and chaos, but many researchers suggest that this view is inaccurate and potentially dangerous. They claim a myth has been created that abnormal behavior among adolescents is to be expected. Instead, the researchers believe the stresses of adolescence are real, with many finding the transition to puberty, the ability to think abstractly and the social changes difficult. These changes can also lead to secondary developments, such as autonomy, sexuality and intimacy. An adolescent's ability to deal with these and similar issues marks the successful conversion to adulthood. Most adolescents meet these changes without emotional instability or rebellion. Perhaps one in five adolescents has persistent psychiatric symptoms that interfere with their ability to function. Another 60 percent have occasional mild symptoms, and the remaining 20 percent are symptom-free. Certain groups of adolescents are at high risk for psychiatric damage. Warning signs of poor psychological health include problem behaviors and substance abuse, interpersonal isolation and poor academic performance. Suggestions for treatment are included.

Analysis, Child psychology, Adolescent psychology, Psychosexual disorders, Drugs and youth, Juvenile drug abuse

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Clinical Presentation of Inhalational Anthrax Following Bioterrorism Exposure: Report of 2 Surviving Patients. (Original Contribution)

Article Abstract:

The treatment of two postal workers at a Washington, D.C. post office who developed inhalational anthrax is described. Some of their symptoms did not match the traditional symptoms of anthrax but anthrax was eventually diagnosed and they were treated with antibiotics.

Case studies, Anthrax

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