Mother Notices Pancake Smell on Baby, Uncovers Rare Metabolic Condition

Jakarta, ThedailyID — A mother in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, discovered her newborn had a rare genetic disorder after noticing an unusual sweet smell that reminded her of pancakes and maple syrup.

Megan Popps and her partner, Devaughn Debelak, welcomed their son, Leo Debelak, in February 2026. Doctors initially discharged the baby after routine newborn examinations.

A few days later, however, hospital staff contacted the family because Leo’s newborn screening showed inconclusive results. Around the same time, Megan noticed a sweet scent coming from her baby.

She first thought spilled breakfast food caused the smell. However, the scent became stronger and eventually filled their home.

Leo had undergone a routine heel-prick screening before leaving the hospital. Doctors later asked the family to repeat the test after receiving uncertain results.

While waiting for the new results, Megan searched online and learned about Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), a rare inherited metabolic disorder.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with MSUD cannot properly break down the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These substances build up in the body and become toxic if doctors do not treat the condition quickly.

Untreated MSUD can cause seizures, permanent brain damage, coma, and even death.

As Leo’s condition worsened, Megan brought one of his sweet-smelling outfits to the hospital to show doctors.

Medical tests revealed that Leo’s amino acid levels had reached a critical stage.

Doctors immediately started hemodialysis to remove the toxic substances from his blood. Leo then spent three weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before returning home.

Although his condition has stabilized, Leo must follow a strict low-protein diet for life unless he receives a liver transplant in the future.

His mother said he must avoid foods such as meat and dairy products while carefully monitoring his protein intake.

Looking back, Megan believes the unusual pancake-like smell became the crucial clue that helped save her son’s life.

She also encouraged other parents to trust their instincts whenever they feel something is wrong with their child, even if the signs seem unusual at first.