Vocal cord basement membrane in non-sudden infant death syndrome cases

Vocal cord basement membrane thickening (VCBMT) has been observed in childr en with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It has been proposed that this lesion could be used as a positive indicator of this syndrome in autopsies of children who have died unexpectedly. The present investigation aimed to analyze vocal cord basement membranes from autopsies of children 0 to 365 days old. A total of 134 larynges were analyzed. Histological sections of p araffin-embedded larynges stained with H&E and submitted to histochemical s taining with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Masson's trichrome, syrius red, an d Carstairs were used for light microscopy analysis. Immunohistochemistry w ith monoclonal anti-collagen IV antibody was used to determine the nature o f VCBMT The study was completed with morphometry of H&E- and PAS-stained se ctions and revision of the clinical information contained in the hospital f iles. VCBMT was found in 25 cases (18.7%) and showed characteristics of nor mal basement membrane, including immunoreactivity to collagen IV. Our data support the conclusions that VCBMT is frequently seen in pediatric autopsie s, is seen in children in all age-groups studied whose deaths were due to c auses other than SIDS, and is commonly associated with infectious diseases. Like SIDS, VCBMT occurs in the first year of life.