Butyrylcholinesterase is a potential biomarker for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Background: Autonomic dysfunction has been implicated in the pathophysiology of the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is an enzyme of the cholinergic system, a major branch of the autonomic system, and may provide a measure of autonomic (dys)function. This study was undertaken to evaluate BChE activity in infants and young children who had died from Sudden Infant Death or Sudden Unexpected Death.

Cerebral Oxygenation and Perfusion when Positioning Preterm Infants: Clinical Implications.

Objectives: To evaluate cerebral tissue oxygenation (cTOI) and cerebral perfusion in preterm infants in supine vs prone positions.

Study Design: Sixty preterm infants, born before 32 weeks of gestation, were enrolled; 30 had bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD, defined as the need for respiratory support and/or supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age). Cerebral perfusion, cTOI, and polysomnography were measured in both the supine and prone position with the initial position being randomized.

Snoring in children.

Chronic snoring (≥4 nights per week) is not benign. Otherwise healthy children with chronic snoring and evidence of adenotonsillar hypertrophy can be referred directly for adenotonsillectomy. Snoring children <30 months or with significant medical comorbidities should be referred for specialist sleep evaluation.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA and protein in the piglet brainstem and effects of Intermittent Hypercapnic Hypoxia.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin essential for the development of normal respiratory rhythm and ventilatory control. Chronic exposure to Intermittent Hypercapnic Hypoxia (IHH) has been shown to alter ventilatory responses of piglets. This study investigated changes in BDNF distribution and expression in seven nuclei of the caudal medulla, from piglets exposed to IHH for 1, 2, 3, or 4 days before death, using non-radioactive in situ hybridisation (for mRNA) and immunohistochemistry (for protein).