A new study by UW Medicine has identified a genetic link for some instances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The study was the first of its kind to seek a tangible link between the mechanisms of a genetic mutation in the HADHA gene, which allows for fully functional fatty acid oxidation — a process in which fatty acids are broken down to produce energy — and some forms of SIDS.
By linking SIDS with the genetic mutation, scientists are now able to work toward creating new molecule drug treatments to help children born with this deficiency.
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, SIDS is the leading cause of death for infants between 1 month and 1 year of age. SIDS claimed the lives of 1,360 infants in 2017, the most recent year for which statistics are available.
