The Biochemical Genetics Program at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s hospital is spearheading a new effort by the state of New York to properly identify and treat metabolic disorders in newborn children. Affecting roughly 1 out of every 3000 children born, metabolic disorders prevent the proper absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, leading to very severe and possibly fatal conditions. In years past, testing for these disorders was largely overlooked (due to unavailability or expense) and as a result, associated newborn fatalities were often reported as SIDS cases. With the law on its side (the state of New York is now mandating newborn screening), the NYPMS Children’s Hospital and its partners at Columbia University Medical Center hope to de-mystify the disorders by providing accurate diagnoses and offering comprehensive treatment options. This is most certainly an encouraging step in the right direction.
Mysterious Ailments May Be the Result of Undiagnosed Genetic Defects @ Columbia.edu
Tags: Metabolic Disorders, SIDS, SIDS Reduction, SIDS Research
