Study Reveals Potential Seizure Link in Sudden Unexplained Deaths of Sleeping Toddlers
Researchers from NYU Langone Health have uncovered a potential cause for some cases of sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC), a mysterious condition where seemingly healthy toddlers and preschoolers die in their sleep. By analyzing home monitoring videos that captured the deaths of seven sleeping toddlers, the researchers found that seizures during sleep might be a contributing factor.
The small-scale study, published in the journal Neurology, offers direct evidence of a seizure link in SUDC. Five of the toddlers displayed movements considered brief seizures before their deaths. While fever-related seizures are common among young children and are typically harmless, this study suggests they might occasionally signal a more serious issue.
The research builds on previous findings that children who died suddenly were about ten times more likely to have a history of fever-related seizures. The study's senior author, Dr. Orrin Devinsky, emphasized the difficulty of watching the recordings but acknowledged their value in understanding these tragic events.
One of the cases involved 17-month-old Hayden Fell, whose death in November 2022 was captured by a crib cam. Hayden had a history of febrile seizures, a common condition in young children that usually has no lasting effects. His family, like many others, had been reassured by doctors not to worry about these seizures.
The findings of the study raise significant questions, particularly as febrile seizures affect 2% to 5% of young children. Distinguishing between typical cases and those that might indicate a risk of SUDC remains a challenge. Researchers, including Laura Gould, co-founder of the nonprofit SUDC Foundation, hope to identify children at risk to possibly change their outcomes.
Experts, such as Dr. Marco Hefti of the University of Iowa, who was not involved in the study, echo the need for additional research, including sleep studies in children, to better understand the phenomenon. He stressed that parents should not panic about every febrile seizure but be aware of the ongoing research.
SUDC, which claims over 400 lives a year in the U.S., often occurs during sleep in children aged 1 to 4 years. Unlike Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), SUDC occurs in older children and has received less attention and research funding.
The study highlights the need for more understanding and potentially new guidelines regarding febrile seizures in children. As research continues, families like Hayden's hope that their tragic experiences can lead to crucial breakthroughs in preventing future deaths.
