The mystery of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is being uncovered thanks to a world-first breakthrough at the Children's Hospital, Westmead, NSW.

A research team led by Dr Carmel Harrington at the Hospital have identified Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) as the first bio-marker that could help detect babies more at risk of SIDS. The study found BChE levels were significantly lower in babies who subsequently died of SIDS compared to living controls and other infant deaths.

Dr Carmel Harrington lost her own child to SIDS 29 years ago, and it still accounts for two babies a week dying in Australia.

https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/news/articles/2022/05/world-first-breakthrough-could-prevent-sids