Swedish Study Reveals Preventable Factors in Newborn Collapse Cases

Sudden unexpected postnatal collapse (SUPS), a rare but serious condition where healthy newborns suddenly stop breathing, could be largely preventable, according to a major Swedish study. Each year, two to four healthy newborns in Sweden die from SUPS, and many more suffer lasting consequences.

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We haven't understood the extent of the problem.

Professor Eric Herlenius, a leading researcher in the field, stated that the full extent of the problem had not been previously understood. His research team conducted the first comprehensive mapping of SUPS incidence and causes in Sweden. By analyzing data from nearly half a million births across seven maternity clinics in Stockholm, they identified 149 cases of SUPS.

The study, published in the scientific journal Acta Paediatrica, revealed that ten of the affected infants died, and many others sustained varying degrees of brain damage. Researchers estimate that approximately 30 cases of SUPS occur annually in Sweden, resulting in two to four fatalities. The findings suggest that a third of infants experiencing SUPS either die or suffer permanent brain injuries.

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But hopefully, the majority of these cases can be prevented.

SUPS typically occurs within the first week of a baby's life, often within the first 24 hours. The study observed clear patterns, with over 80% of cases happening in the infant's first day. While the exact cause is not always clear, the condition involves the blockage of the baby's airways, requiring immediate medical intervention. The researchers believe that implementing clearer guidelines and preventative strategies could significantly reduce the number of these tragic events.

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Our study shows that a third of the children who were affected died or suffered brain damage of varying degrees.