Sudden infant death syndrome: The colon connection

The etiology of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is not known. Various maternal and infant risk factors have been identified. Adoption of the non-prone position has reduced the incidence of SIDS but has not eliminated the problem. Some sulfate reducing bacteria in the colon produce hydrogen sulfide (H ₂S) which is as toxic as hydrogen cyanide. Normally, the colonic mechanism for metabolizing and detoxifying H₂S is very effective and no H₂S appears in the exhaled breath although small amounts are present in the flatus. We are putting forth the hypothesis that in some cases of SIDS colonocytic mechanism for detoxifying H₂S may not have matured by the age of 3 months and H₂S may be absorbed resulting in SIDS. The hypothesis can be tested by in vitro evaluation of colonic tissue from SIDS cases for its ability to detoxify H₂S.