A genetic reason for male excess in infant respiratory mortality?
Male infants have a 50% higher risk of death from respiratory diseases and a number of congenital heart diseases that can lead to cerebral hypoxia. The most important of these diseases are infant respiratory distress syndrome and sudden infant death syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
The mechanism behind the excess peri-mortality rate in male infants is not known. A genetic factor leading to reduced tolerance to hypoxia is possible.
Finnström
Orvar
O
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden. orvar.finnstrom@lio.se
D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000151:congenital / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality*; D012737:Sex Factors