ABSTRACT
Abstract Introduction: Glutaric Aciduria Type 1 (GA-1) is produced by the enzymatic deficiency of glutaryl-CoA-dehydrogenase (GCDH), leading to the accumulation of glutaric acid (GA). 90% of patients without early treatment present acute encephalopathic crisis (AEC), followed by disabling neurological symptoms. The treatment consists of a low lysine (Lys) diet, protein substitute lys-free, tryptophan-reduced (PS) and L-carnitine. Objectives: Describe the clinical and nutritional evolution of a cohort of GA-1 patients at a national referral center in Chile. Methodology: Retrospective study of 24 patients diagnosed with GA-1 between 1998-2020 and referred to the Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA) of University of Chile. Results: Age at diagnosis was 19±27 months; 10/24 presented AEC and neurological sequelae. The cases without AEC (14/24) 8 presented neurological compromise: psychomotor development delay, abnormal movements and pyramidal syndrome. Nutritional evaluation: 12/24 were malnourished by deficiency, <6 years old group (12/24): 11 cases were found to have Lys and PS, ≥6 years old (12/24): 9/12 did not receive PS. All had normal free carnitine levels. Conclusion: GA-1 has variable symptoms with neurological involvement AEC or insidious start. Is essential to maintain a long-term follow-up and consider its inclusion in neonatal screening programs.
ABSTRACT
Background: Mental retardation or intellectual disability affects 2 percent ofthe general population, but in 60 percent to 70 percent of cases the real cause ofthis retardation is not known. An early etiologic diagnosis of intellectual disability can lead to opportunities for improved educational interventions, reinforcing weak aáreas and providing a genetic counseling to the family Aim: To search genetic diseases underíying intellectual disabilities of children attending a special education school. Material and methods: A clinical geneticist performed the history and physical examination in one hundred and three students aged between 5 and 24 years (51 males). A blood sample was obtained in 92 of them for a genetic screening that included a standard karyotype, fragile X molecular genetic testing and search for inborn errors of metabolism by tándem mass spectrometry. Results: This approach yielded an etiological diagnosis in as much as 29 patients. Three percent of them had a fragile X syndrome. Inborn errors of metabolism were not detected. Conclusions: This type of screening should be done always in children with intellectual disability to establish an etiological diagnosis.