SIDS Research in Canada

Research into the cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Canada is both geographically and scientifically broad. Active research groups are present in the University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, McGill University, University of Montreal, and Dalhousie University. The output of these investigators covers the spectrum from the research bench to clinical bedside. One of the most successful initiatives in Canada has been the development of the Jeremy Rill Center for SIDS in Montreal. Through the outstanding work of Dr. Aurore Côté and others, the Jeremy Rill Center has achieved international stature with the generation of significant research and
publications.

Research work has varied from molecular dissection of the mechanism of action of oxygen sensors in neuroepithelial bodies in the lungs of infants that die of SIDS to the study of the incidence, distribution and reduction of risk of SIDS. Dr. Ernest Cutz and others at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto have pioneered work in the area of neuro-endocrine control of respiration and have made major contributions to the scientific literature. In addition, many investigators in Canada are now focusing on subsets of SIDS in order to minimize the number of variables and concentrate on specific risk factors. Because of the higher incidence of SIDS in Native Indian communities, studies are underway in Calgary to investigate infant care practices in one of the larger First Nation groups in Canada.

Dedicated scientists like Drs. Cutz and Côté have raised the awareness of SIDS in the scientific community and helped to focus research interest on the complex developmental components that lead to optimal respiratory and cardiovascular performance in the young child perturbations of which may lead to SIDS.

No matter how much research is done, it is never enough. There are enormous challenges in driving the frontiers of science forward to create a greater understanding of where sustained scientific investigation must be supported. The Foundation for Sudden Infant Deaths has recently partnered with the Medical Research Council of Canada to support an exciting and new fellowship program. This program is aimed at sponsoring young scientists early on in their career so that they may develop interests in further investigation of the basic mechanisms underlying SIDS.

With the momentum that has been achieved in SIDS research, Canadian scientists look forward to creating in 2008 an exciting scientific program with a strong theme directed at discovery and innovation spanning applications from molecular to epidemiological methodology.