SEATTLE, Wash. — A recently-released study by the University of Washington shows a genetic mutation can cause Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
According to the study, newborns with this mutation lack a specific enzyme and can’t metabolize fats found in milk, leading to a buildup of fatty material that disrupts heart functions.
These infants die of heart failure when they are a couple of months old.
Researchers say while it is possible to screen for the genetic mutations that can lead to this deficiency, effective treatments are still a ways off.
KOMO News reports the researchers are now focusing on a new drug that had not been previously considered in helping infants.