HEMOGLOBIN-F AND RISK-FACTORS FOR SUDDEN-INFANT-DEATH-SYNDROME

We measured levels of hemoglobin F in 83 newborns and compared them wi th risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Results were consistent with previous studies that found higher levels of hemoglobi n F in newborns with shorter gestations and lower birth weights. Male newborns had higher levels of hemoglobin F than did female newborns, b ut the difference was not statistically significant, All ethnic groups except Asians had higher levels of hemoglobin F at birth than did Cau casians. Age of the ;mother during pregnancy was not related to the le vel of hemoglobin F in the newborn. We noted statistically significant differences in the percentage of hemoglobin F among newborns from smo king vs nonsmoking mothers. Overall, we found that factors associated with high risk for SIDS are similar to factors leading to higher level s of hemoglobin F at birth.