Why a Satisfactory Solution to the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has not been Achieved

by Dr Archie Kalokerinos

The problem arises because the definition of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is too limited in its scope. It is usually accepted that it means the sudden, unexpected death of an infant who was either apparently well or suffering from a 'trivial' illness which normally would not be expected to cause death and autopsy findings failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for death. However, one could become involved in all sorts of discussions and augments concerning fine details of many cases. While a recognition of these fine details is important the definition as outlined above is a practical starting point.

Some aspects have been intensely studied during recent years. They are:

So called 'risk factors'
Abnormal biochemical, bacterial, viral, immunological, microscopic (including electron microscope findings) and almost every aspect of modern medical technology.

In other words, the more we look for fine abnormalities the more we find. Unfortunately, apart from a few factors such as the recognition of the dangers of cigarette smoking, nothing had been found that dramatically reduces the incidence of the syndrome. Most authorities will admit that the syndrome is a 'garbage can' where almost anything can lead up to it and almost any abnormality can be found if one cares to look carefully enough. It is necessary, of course, to bear in mind the fact that whatever the findings are they are insufficient to satisfactorily explain the death according to accepted medical standards.

Dr Mercola (www.mercola.com), in his latest newsletter, is highlighting a story headed "Fans Lower Risk of Sudden Baby Death" which says:

"Using a fan to circulate air lowered the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in a study of nearly 500 babies."

and goes on to say:

"However, placing babies on their backs to sleep is still the best advice for preventing SIDS."

Dr. Mercola's Comments on this article include:
"What Causes SIDS?

brain abnormalities
There is compelling evidence that SIDS may also be related to fire retardants in the baby's mattress.
vaccinations have also been linked to an increased risk of SIDS."

He goes on to give "Tips to Reduce SIDS Risk" which include:

"Use a chemical-free crib mattress, or one covered with an appropriate mattress cover."

Whilst this advice is the key to eliminating the cause of the problem (which was identified by New Zealand doctors back in the 1990s) he fails to elaborate on this and still recommends sleeping your baby on its back, which will lead to developmental problems and a flat head.

He does not mention the work done by Dr. Jim Sprott (www.cotlife2000.com/) who identified the mechanism of cot death (SIDS, crib death) in his book "THE COT DEATH COVER-UP?" (Penguin Books, New Zealand 1996; Britain 1997)

Using a fan to circulate the air in the baby's room and sleeping babies on their back does not stop cot death. No doubt these practices would lower the incidence of death by reducing the concentration of toxic gasses breathed in but they do nothing to alleviate the cause of the problem: outgassing toxic compounds of phosphorus, arsenic and/or antimony which are often found in the modern baby's bedding.

Dr. Jim Sprott outlines the SIDS mechanism as:
The lungs and heart stop functioning because the baby's lungs stop breathing (apnoea) and the baby's heart stops beating.

Why do the lungs and heart stop functioning?
Because the relevant nerve impulses from the brain don't reach the lungs and heart to cause them to function.

Why don't the nerve impulses reach the lungs and heart?
Because the nerves stop transmitting the impulses.

Why do the nerves stop transmitting the impulses?
Because of accumulation of acetylcholine in the blood.

Why does acetylcholine accumulate in the blood?
Because the cholinesterase enzyme is de-activated.

What de-activates the cholinesterase enzyme?
Anticholinesterase agents.

What are these anticholinesterase agents?
Nerve gases formed from compounds of phosphorus, arsenic and/or antimony.

Where are the compounds of phosphorus, arsenic and/or antimony?
In the baby's bedding (along with fungus which converts the compounds into the gases).