Maple syrup smell helps diagnose rare disorder in Wisconsin newborn
A mother's notice of a sweet, maple syrup-like scent from her newborn helped clinicians identify a rare, potentially life-threatening genetic condition.
A Wisconsin mother says an unusual maple syrup-like smell coming from her newborn son helped doctors identify Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), a rare genetic disorder that can become life-threatening if left untreated. Megan Popps said she noticed the sweet scent shortly after bringing home her son, Leo, following his birth earlier this year. The family initially believed the odor came from pancakes and maple syrup served during their hospital stay before learning it could be a warning sign of a serious medical condition, People reported.