Gene mutations associated with a deadly heart rhythm disorder were discovered
in nearly 20% of stillbirth cases, a new study reveals.
A stillbirth occurs when a foetus dies after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It can
happen before or during delivery. In 2009, there were an estimated 2.64 million
stillbirths worldwide. A cause is unknown in 25% to 40% of foetal deaths.
In this study, researchers conducted genetic tests on foetuses that died in
91 unexplained cases of stillbirth and found that 18 (19.8%) of them had gene
mutations associated with so-called long QT syndrome, according to the
study.
The syndrome is a heart disorder that increases the risk for an irregular
heartbeat and other heart problems. Long QT syndrome can cause sudden death in
young people and is believed to be a factor in up to 10% of cases of sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS), the researchers noted in a journal news
release.
There have also been suspicions that long QT syndrome may contribute to
sudden foetal death. These findings support that theory, said Dr Lia Crotti, of
the University of Pavia in Italy, Dr Michael Ackerman, of the Mayo Clinic in
Rochester, Minn., and colleagues.
The findings add to efforts to learn more about the causes of stillbirth and,
if confirmed in further studies, may provide an explanation for the many cases
of stillbirth and late miscarriage whose cause is currently labelled as unknown,
Dr Alan Guttmacher, of the US National Institutes of Health, and colleagues
wrote in an accompanying journal editorial.
More information
The March of Dimes has more about stillbirth.
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