American Guild for Infant Survival

In 1990, when we announced the American Guild for Infant Survival, Inc., (AGFIS), Infant Pre-Screening Test, which spots infants who "appear" normal but are of high risk, the response from the chiropractic community was overwhelming. Many were also quick to respond to a follow-up research survey which provided vital information for our ongoing studies.

All of those responding reported they found the AGFIS test both useful and enlightening; many used it in their practice or on their own babies to help determine potential risk.

Most gratifying were the reports that a number of high-risk infants (picked up by the screening) were monitored and survived.

We initiated the first crude tests in the hope of finding accurate indicators for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)-prone babies. Much to our surprise, not only did it pick up SIDS-prone infants, but spotted babies who died or subsequently became seriously ill from viral and bacterial infections, meningitis, apnea, birth defects, and even CP! That information is only anecdotal at this point, but is a great encouragement that we are on the right track for a major prescreening breakthrough. It also drew some very strong data linking heavy industrial pollution in the worksites of parents with greatly increased infant risk. We were not looking for this data; it just continues to emerge as we continue collecting information and case histories.

We are also seeking additional data of any sort that the reader may have regarding possible spinal or brain stem injuries associated with birth and birthing procedures, both from formal studies and anecdotal findings in daily practice.

We must be making progress. Even our most adamant AMA enemies are now copying our work and "reissuing" it under their banner and that of the National Institutes of Health! The only difficulty in being a pioneer is that you often end up with arrows in your back!

Is it a perfect test? By no means. But it does indicate that an infant who scores high deserves a second look, and more than the very cursory examinations often given at clinics.

To date, we have a data base of about 400 infants: roughly 200 died of SIDS and other unexpected medical causes, 100 known high-risk infants who were home monitored and survived, and about 100 "perfect controls" -- babies born healthy of a normal pregnancy and who survived the first year of life without incident. The AGFIS test correctly identified and categorized 398 of these infants, missing one by a single point, and another with an incomplete medical history because the father was an unknown donor to a sperm bank.

We are very encouraged by our results thus far. The responses, including those from your readers, have led to an updating of the test for the current year.

Our ultimate goal is to cut infant mortality in the United States in half by the year 2000. If we can duplicate the responsiveness and enthusiasm shown by your readers throughout the entire health care field, we will go a long way towards achieving that goal.

As with all independent research groups, we are desperately short of funding, but are always hoping for the best.

A complete copy of the updated 1991 AGFIS test, background information, and authorization to use it -- without cost -- in practice can be obtained by writing:

AGFIS Test
American Guild for Infant Survival Inc.
1565 Laskin Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

Please include $5 for processing and handling, which barely covers our cost of duplicating and mailing.

Scott Hessek, President
American Guild for Infant Survival, Inc.
Virginia Beach, Virginia