Failure to detect elevated levels of carboxyhemoglobin in infants dying from SIDS

J Forensic Sci. 2002 May;47(3):660-2.

Abstract

Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels were determined in stored blood samples from 91 infants diagnosed to have died from the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (0.59+/-0.41%, excluding one outlying value of 10.83%); 48 age-matched controls (0.53+/-0.38%); and three individuals who died from fire related causes (41+/-20%). No statistical differences in COHb levels were detected between blood from SIDS and control infants (p = 0.43).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Carboxyhemoglobin / analysis*
  • Chromatography, Gas
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Sudden Infant Death / blood*

Substances

  • Carboxyhemoglobin