Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Environmental Exposures and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death

This important study is investigating a possible connection between Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and environmental factors like air pollution and pesticides. Researchers are carefully examining information from a French registry of infants who tragically died from SUID. They aim to measure how much these babies might have been exposed to air pollution and to check for pesticide levels in their bodily samples, such as hair and blood. The goal is to understand if these common environmental chemicals, which can be found in our air, food, and water, could be contributing factors to SUID. By looking at individual differences and where these babies lived, the study hopes to shed light on potential risks and how we might prevent future tragedies. It's a descriptive study, meaning it's gathering information to help us learn more.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Nantes University Hospital

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2026

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death, Air Pollution, Pesticides

What is this study about?

This research project is looking into a very sensitive and important topic: Sudden Unexpected Infant Death, often shortened to SUID. When a baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly, it's a huge tragedy for families. Scientists are trying to understand why this happens, and this study is focusing on whether environmental factors, like the air we breathe and certain chemicals around us, might play a part.

Specifically, the researchers are investigating two types of common environmental exposures: air pollution and pesticides. Air pollution comes from things like traffic and industry, while pesticides are chemicals used for things like farming and gardening. Both can be found in our daily environment and have been linked to health concerns. The study wants to see if babies who died from SUID had higher levels of exposure to these substances.

To do this, the scientists are using information from a special registry in France that records cases of SUID. They will estimate how much air pollution these babies might have been exposed to based on where they lived. They will also measure pesticide levels in samples like hair and blood taken from some of these babies. By comparing this information, they hope to identify any links between these environmental factors and SUID. They're also looking at what might make an individual baby more exposed to these things and how these chemicals might affect a baby's body.

Key takeaways

This study investigates environmental factors like air pollution and pesticides.
It aims to understand if these factors are linked to Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).
Researchers are analysing existing data from a French SUID registry.
No new patients or babies are being recruited for this study.
The goal is to gather information that could help prevent SUID in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking at information from babies who have already sadly passed away from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and whose details are included in the French national registry for SUID.

Because this is a retrospective study, meaning it looks back at past events and existing information, there are no specific 'eligibility' steps for living individuals to take part. It's about using existing medical records and, where available, biological samples from these babies to learn more.

Therefore, there are no exclusion criteria for a living person, as no living individuals are being recruited. The study is focused on understanding the circumstances of infants who have already died from SUID, regardless of their age (from 1 minute old onwards) or sex.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is this study looking at existing data, not recruiting new patients?
Does this research focus on Sudden Unexpected Infant Death?
Are the environmental factors being studied air pollution and pesticides?
Is this study based on information from a French national registry?
Does this research include babies of all sexes and ages from 1 minute to any age?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

As this study is looking back at existing information from a registry, you or your baby would not directly 'participate' in the way you might imagine for a typical clinical trial. This study uses information that has already been collected about babies who sadly died from SUID. There are no visits, new medical assessments, medication to take, or follow-up appointments required from living individuals. The researchers are analysing existing data and samples.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study involves looking at existing, anonymised data and samples, there are no direct physical risks or benefits for living individuals. The potential benefit of this research is significant for wider public health: it could help us understand more about the potential causes of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death, especially regarding environmental factors. This improved understanding could potentially lead to new strategies for prevention in the future. There is no right to withdraw for individuals, as the study uses anonymised, previously collected data.

Locations (1)

CHU de Nantes
Verified postcode
Nantes, France

Common questions

What is Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)?

SUID is when a baby under one year old dies suddenly and unexpectedly, and the cause isn't immediately obvious. A full investigation is usually done to find out why.

What are 'environmental exposures'?

These are things in our surroundings that we come into contact with every day, like the air we breathe, chemicals in our homes, or substances in our food and water.

Why are they looking at air pollution and pesticides?

Both air pollution and pesticides are common in our environment and are known to have potential health effects. Researchers want to see if there's any link between exposure to these and SUID.

Will this study help prevent SUID?

This study is descriptive, meaning it gathers information to understand a problem. By learning more about potential links, it could lead to future studies and strategies that might help prevent SUID.

Is this study taking new samples from babies?

No, this study is using information and, where available, biological samples (like hair or blood) that were collected in the past from babies who died and are part of a French national registry.