Cot deaths linked to blood protein

New research suggests a baby's risk of cot death can be predetermined in the womb.

Scientists have discovered pregnant women with a high level of foetal blood protein in their blood are three times more likely to have a baby that later dies from cot death.

Auckland University associate professor of paediatrics Ed Mitchell said the Cambridge University research was "of interest".

"It fits with the belief that maybe babies at risk are predetermined or may be more vulnerable," he said.

"It suggests the baby was at risk and the risk was identified in utero."

The placenta has a crucial role in filtering nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the foetus and removing the waste.

The research found a high level of foetal blood protein called alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the maternal blood indicated the placenta was failing in its function, allowing foetal blood protein to leak through.

Those babies were born with a low birth weight and risk of still-birth was greater.

The research looked at more than 200,000 records of women who gave birth between 1991 and 2001.

A routine blood test in the second trimester showed levels of AFP.

Researchers found the rate of cot death in 10,000 births among women with the highest AFP level was 7.5, compared with 2.7 among those with the lowest measure of AFP.

Dr Mitchell said using this information for screening would put women under too much stress to know their baby had a higher risk of cot death. In New Zealand in 2002 there were 109 cot deaths.

New Zealand Cot Death Association information offers the following advice: Put your baby to sleep on its back, don't smoke while pregnant, breastfeed your baby, put your baby to sleep in its own bed, and keep your baby's face clear of all bedding.

Keeping baby safe

The New Zealand Cot Death Association says:

* Put your baby to sleep on its back in its own bed.

* Don't smoke while pregnant.

* Breastfeed your baby.

* Keep your baby's face clear of all bedding.

- NZPA