A study published the in the journal JAMA Network Open revealed that genetic illnesses are more of a factor in newborn mortality than previously believed.

Researchers from San Diego′s Rady Children′s Institute for Genomic Medicine (RCIGM) carried out the investigation. More than four out of ten baby deaths can be attributed to ″single locus″ genetic diseases, according to a study on more than 500 infants with acute illnesses (114 of them passed away).

The study findings suggest that medicines are already available in 30% of these situations, which could enhance baby outcomes and lower the likelihood of future fatalities. 

According to experts, focusing on using a genetic variation to predict the risk of disease in adults and identifying those at increased risk to monitor their health or intervene is essential, even in children. Genetic variation is important for various conditions and contributes to health and disease.

Many aspects of infant mortality have long been challenging to diagnose with the tools doctors have at their disposal. Now that more screenings are available, there are more chances to reduce infant mortality further and give parents hope.

Additionally, these findings imply that expanded newborn screening programs make identifying affected children easier and help provide care in the first stages. These results show a fresh and exciting direction for ongoing study and treatment and the general direction of medicine to save lives of children.

(Source: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-new-genetic-disease-research-may-help-reduce-the-number-of-infant-deaths#Researching-infant-deaths)