[Chlorhexidine prophylaxis at labor. Prevention of sudden infant death?]

In a study of nearly 5,000 births it was reported that decontamination of the birth canal at labour with chlorhexidine prevents excess neonatal morbidity associated with group B streptococci. Toxigenic E coli or chlamydia, most likely transmitted from vagina to infant at labour, has been uncovered in victims of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Assuming an etiological connection, vaginal decontamination at labour might also reduce mortality in SIDS. In a study of co-twins of SIDS victims, 13/23 survivors were reported to have long-term respiratory disorders. Recent reports link chlamydia with asthma and other respiratory dysfunction. This suggests an etiological connection between chlamydia, SIDS and respiratory dysfunction including asthma. It would be interesting if these hypothesized connections could be tested in an extension of the chlorhexidine study beyond infancy.