Tandem mass spectrometry analysis and genetic diagnosis of neonates with fatty acid oxidation disorders in central and northern regions of Guangxi / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the incidence and mutational types of fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAOD) in central-northern region of Guangxi.@*METHODS@#A total of 62 953 neonates were screened for FAOD during December 2012 and December 2017. Acyl-carnitine profiling of neonatal blood sample was performed by tandem mass spectrometry using dry blood spots on a filter paper. The diagnosis of FAOD was confirmed by organic acid profiling of urea and genetic testing.@*RESULTS@#Eighteen cases of FAOD were diagnosed among the 62 953 neonates. Among these, primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) was the most common type (n=13), which was followed by short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SCADD) (n=2), medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) (n=1), multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) (n=1), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency (CPT II D) (n=1). Genetic testing has revealed two previously unreported variants, i.e., c.337G to A (p.Gly113Arg) of ACADS gene and c.737G TO T (p.Gly246Val) of ETFA gene.@*CONCLUSION@#PCD is the most common FAOD in central-northern Guangxi. Tandem mass spectrometry combined with genetic testing may facilitate early diagnosis of FAOD.

Clinical and muscle magnetic resonance image findings in patients with late-onset multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Late-onset multiple acyl-coA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is an autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disorder. It is still unclear about the muscle magnetic resonance image (MRI) pattern of the distal lower limb pre- and post-treatment in patients with late-onset MADD. This study described the clinical and genetic findings in a cohort of patients with late-onset MADD, and aimed to characterize the MRI pattern of the lower limbs.@*METHODS@#Clinical data were retrospectively collected from clinic centers of Peking University People's Hospital between February 2014 and February 2018. Muscle biopsy, blood acylcarnitines, and urine organic acids profiles, and genetic analysis were conducted to establish the diagnosis of MADD in 25 patients. Muscle MRI of the thigh and leg were performed in all patients before treatment. Eight patients received MRI re-examinations after treatment.@*RESULTS@#All patients presented with muscle weakness or exercise intolerance associated with variants in the electron transfer flavoprotein dehydrogenase gene. Muscle MRI showed a sign of both edema-like change and fat infiltration selectively involving in the soleus (SO) but sparing of the gastrocnemius (GA) in the leg. Similar sign of selective involvement of the biceps femoris longus (BFL) but sparing of the semitendinosus (ST) was observed in the thigh. The sensitivity and specificity of the combination of either "SO+/GA-" sign or "BFL+/ST-" sign for the diagnosis of late-onset MADD were 80.0% and 83.5%, respectively. Logistic regression model supported the findings. The edema-like change in the SO and BFL muscles were quickly recovered at 1 month after treatment, and the clinical symptom was also relieved.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study expands the clinical and genetic spectrums of late-onset MADD. Muscle MRI shows a distinct pattern in the lower limb of patients with late-onset MADD. The dynamic change of edema-like change in the affected muscles might be a potential biomarker of treatment response.

Clinical Features of Multiple Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency With ETFDH Variants in the First Korean Cases

No abstract available.

A novel mutation in the ETFDH gene of an infant with multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency / 中国当代儿科杂志

This article reports the results of tandem mass spectrometry and the mutation features of the ETFDH gene for an infant with multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. The results of tandem mass spectrometry showed that C14 : 1, C8, C6, C10, and C12 increased. Exon sequencing was performed on this infant and his parents and revealed double heterozygous mutations in the ETFDH gene of the infant: c.992A>T and c.1450T>C. The former was inherited from his mother, and the latter was inherited from his father. c.1450T>C was shown to be the pathogenic mutation in the HGMD database. PolyPhen2, SIFT, and PROVEAN all predicted that the novel mutation c.992A>T might be pathogenic, and the mutant amino acids were highly conserved across various species. The findings expand the mutation spectrum of the ETFDH gene, and provide molecular evidence for the etiological diagnosis of the patient with multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency as well as for the genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in the family.

Paroxysmal muscle weakness, liver enlargement, and hypoglycemia in a boy / 中国当代儿科杂志

A boy aged 11 years was admitted due to intermittent weakness and difficulty in walking for 6 years, and hepatomegaly, glycopenia and unconsciousness for 4 years. The laboratory examinations showed severe metabolic acidosis, hypoglycemia, and abnormal liver function. CT scan showed marked liver enlargement with fat density shadow. The boy was given fluid infusion, correction of acidosis, intravenous injection of glucose, L-carnitine, compound vitamin B, and coenzyme Q10, but he was in a persistent coma and it was difficult to correct refractory metabolic acidosis and hypoglycemia. The boy died. Blood and urinary organic acid screening and gene detection confirmed that the boy had late-onset glutaric aciduria type II (GAIIc) caused by electron-transferring-flavoprotein dehydrogenase (ETFDH) gene defect. GAIIc is an inherited metabolic disease with a low incidence, resulting in a high misdiagnosis rate. GAIIc should be considered for children with recurrent weakness or reduced activity endurance, hypoglycemia, and marked liver enlargement with abnormal liver function. Urinary organic acid analysis and blood tandem mass spectrometry can help with the early diagnosis of GAIIc, and ETFDH gene analysis helps to make a confirmed diagnosis.

Clinical features and ETFDH mutations of children with late-onset glutaric aciduria type II: a report of two cases / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical and genetic features of two families with late-onset glutaric aciduria type II caused by ETFDH mutations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Target gene sequence capture and next generation sequencing were used for sequencing of suspected patients and their family members. The patients' clinical features were retrospectively analyzed and literature review was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The probands of the two families had a clinical onset at the ages of 10 years and 5.5 years respectively, with the clinical manifestations of muscle weakness and muscle pain. Laboratory examinations revealed significant increases in the serum levels of creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase. Tandem mass spectrometry showed increases in various types of acylcarnitines. The analysis of urine organic acids showed an increase in glutaric acid. Electromyography showed myogenic damage in both patients. Gene detection showed two novel mutations in the ETFDH gene (c.1331T>C from the mother and c.824C>T from the father) in patient 1, and the patient's younger brother carried the c.1331T>C mutation but had a normal phenotype. In patient 2, there was a novel mutation (c.177insT from the father) and a known mutation (c.1474T>C from the mother) in the ETFDH gene. Several family members carried such mutations. Both patients were diagnosed with glutaric aciduria type II. Their symptoms were improved after high-dose vitamin B2 treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For patients with unexplained muscle weakness and pain, serum creatine kinase, acylcarnitines, and urinary organic acids should be measured, and the possibility of glutaric aciduria type II should be considered. Genetic detection is helpful to make a confirmed diagnosis.</p>

A Historical Cohort Study on the Efficacy of Glucocorticoids and Riboflavin Among Patients with Late-onset Multiple Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Late-onset multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is the most common type of lipid storage myopathies in China. Most patients with late-onset MADD are well responsive to riboflavin. Up to now, these patients are often treated with glucocorticoids as the first-line drug because they are misdiagnosed as polymyositis without muscle biopsy or gene analysis. Although glucocorticoids seem to improve the fatty acid metabolism of late-onset MADD, the objective evaluation of their rationalization on this disorder and comparison with riboflavin treatment are unknown.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We performed a historical cohort study on the efficacy of the two drugs among 45 patients with late-onset MADD, who were divided into glucocorticoids group and riboflavin group. Detailed clinical information of baseline and 1-month follow-up were collected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 1-month treatment, a dramatic improvement of muscle strength was found in riboflavin group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in muscle enzymes between the two groups. Significantly, the number of patients with full recovery in glucocorticoids group was less than the number in riboflavin group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, almost half of the patients in riboflavin group still presented high-level muscle enzymes and weak muscle strength after 1-month riboflavin treatment, meaning that 1-month treatment duration maybe insufficient and patients should keep on riboflavin supplement for a longer time.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our results provide credible evidences that the overall efficacy of riboflavin is superior to glucocorticoids, and a longer duration of riboflavin treatment is necessary for patients with late-onset MADD.</p>

Clinical features and gene mutations in a patient with multiple aeyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency with severe fatty liver / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the clinical features and gene mutations in an adolescent patient affected with late-onset multiple aeyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) with severe fatty liver.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Potential mutations of the ETFDH gene were detected with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 13-year-and-10-month girl has presented with weakness without any other special manifestation. Laboratory tests demonstrated an elevation of myocardial enzyme levels, total cholesterol, lactic acid and abnormal serum free fatty acids. H magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed severe fatty liver. An increase in multiple plasma acyl-carnitines was detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and isobutyrylglycine in urine by screening with tandem mass spectrometry. Genetic analysis demonstrated 2 heterozygous missense mutations c.250G>A (p.Ala84Thr) and c.353G>T (p.Cys118Phe) in the ETFDH gene. The diagnosis of MADD was confirmed. The patient was given large dose of vitamin B2, which resulted in rapid clinical and biochemical improvement.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A common mutation c.250G>A and a novel mutation c.353G>T in the ETFDH gene were identified in the patient. The pathogenic role of c.353G>T (p.Cys118Phe) deserves further study. Early diagnosis of MADD and appropriate therapy is crucial for the prognosis.</p>

Acidemia glutárica tipo 1: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Glutaric acidemia type I. Report of a case and literature review / Acidemia glutárica tipo 1: apresentação de um caso e revisão da literatura

La acidemia glutárica tipo-1 es uno de los errores innatos del metabolismo diagnosticados con mayor frecuencia en Colombia. Es consecuencia de una alteración en el metabolismo de los aminoácidos lisina, hidroxilisina y triptófano, de la que resulta acumulación de ácidos glutárico y 3-hidroxiglutárico en los fluidos corporales. Clínicamente es un trastorno neurológico caracterizado por macrocefalia, atrofia cerebral progresiva y distonía. Por su evolución crónica es una enfermedad subdiagnosticada, de tal forma que pueden pasar varios años hasta que la sintomatología o las neuroimágenes sugieren la etiología metabólica. Sin embargo, algunos pacientes presentan la forma aguda usualmente desencadenada por una infección entre los 6 y 18 meses de edad. Por ser susceptible de manejo nutricional, es necesario hacer tempranamente el diagnóstico e iniciar el tratamiento, para prevenir o mejorar las complicaciones y enfermedades intercurrentes. Es de importancia considerar la AG-1 en el diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes con parálisis cerebral espástica o disquinética sin una historia clara de eventos hipóxicos, así como en pacientes con regresión en los hitos del neurodesarrollo. Se describe un caso con presentación aguda, que ilustra el curso clínico y el enfoque diagnóstico de la enfermedad.

Glutaric acidemia type I (GA-1) is a neurological disease of metabolic ethiology. Although considered rare, it is one of the most frequent inborn errors of metabolism in Colombia. GA-1 is caused by alterations in lysine, hydroxylysine and tryptophan metabolism, resulting in the accumulation of glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids in body fluids. Clinically, it is characterized by macrocephaly, progressive cerebral atrophy, and dystonia secondary to striatal degeneration. Due to its chronic evolution, it is usually under- diagnosed, so that several years may pass before suggestive symptoms or brain imaging findings are discovered. In some patients, the disease may appear acutely triggered by an infection between 6 and 18 months of age. Due to the availability of nutritional treatment, it is necessary to make an early diagnosis and to start treatment, in order to prevent or improve complications and associated diseases. It is important to consider GA-1 in the differential diagnosis of patients with spastic or dyskinetic cerebral palsy without a clear history of hypoxic events, as well as in patients with regression in neurological development. We report a case with acute presentation to exemplify the natural history of the disease and the diagnostic approach to it.

A Acidemia Glutárica tipo-1 é um dos erros inatos do metabolismo diagnosticados com maior frequência na Colômbia. É consequência de uma alteração no metabolismo dos aminoácidos lisina, hidroxilisina e triptófano, da que resulta acumulação de ácidos glutárico e 3-hidroxiglutárico nos fluidos corporais. Clinicamente é um transtorno neurológico caracterizado por macrocefalia, atrofia cerebral progressiva e distonia. Por sua evolução crônica é uma doença subdiagnosticada, de tal forma que podem passar vários anos até que a sintomatologia ou as neuroimagens sugerem a etiologia metabólica. No entanto, alguns pacientes apresentam a forma aguda usualmente desencadeada por uma infecção entre os 6 e 18 meses de idade. Por ser susceptível de manejo nutricional, é necessário fazer cedo o diagnóstico e iniciar o tratamento, para prevenir ou melhorar as complicações e doenças intercorrentes. É de importância considerar a AG-1 no diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes com paralisia cerebral espástica ou disquinética sem uma história clara de eventos hipóxicos, bem como em pacientes com regressão nas metas do neurodesenvolvimento. Descreve-se um caso com apresentação aguda, que ilustra o curso clínico e o enfoque diagnóstico da doença.

El proceso educativo del médico en Colombia desde el concepto de formación a partir de un estudio hermenéutico / The educational process of physicians in Colombia as seen from the concept of formation. A hermeneutical study / O processo educativo do médico na Colômbia desde o conceito de formação a partir de um estudo hermenêutico

Mediante un estudio cualitativo de corte histórico-hermenéutico se aborda la transición en Colombia del modelo anatomoclínico francés al modelo biomédico norteamericano y se hace un seguimiento del concepto de formación en la educación médica. Se presentan tres períodos clave en el devenir histórico de dicho concepto: la Grecia clásica y la paideia, y el nacimiento de las universidades en el Medioevo; el Bildung alemán de los siglos XVIII y XIX y, finalmente, la época contemporánea. En el contexto actual del mercado y la globalización, se reflexiona sobre el proceso educativo del médico en el marco de la tensión entre su formación como ser humano y su capacitación como técnico profesional. Se enfatiza en que la formación es responsabilidad de todos los actores del proceso educativo y no de unas cuantas asignaturas, como generalmente se piensa.

From a qualitative study with historical-hermeneutic approach in which the transition in Colombia from the French anatomical-clinical model to the American biomedical model is discussed, a follow up is done of the concept of formation as related to medical education. Three key periods in the historical development of such concept are presented, namely: The classical Greek paideia and later the birth of universities in the Middle Age; the concept of German Bildung in the XVIII and XIX centuries, and finally, the contemporary times. Reflections are done on the process of medical education in the framework of the tension between formation of the human being and the professional technical training in the current market and globalization environment. Emphasis is on the responsibility in formation of all those involved in the educational process, and not of a few subjects, as usually thought.

Mediante um estudo qualitativo de corte históricohermenêutico se aborda a transição na Colômbia do modelo anatomoclínica francês ao modelo biomédico norte-americano e se faz um seguimento do conceito de formação na educação médica. Apresentam- se três períodos chaves no devir histórico de dito conceito: a Grécia clássica e a Paideia, e o nascimento das universidades no Medievo; o Bildung alemão dos séculos XVIII e XIX e, finalmente, a época contemporânea. No contexto atual do mercado e a globalização, reflexiona-se sobre o processo educativo do médico no marco da tensão entre sua formação como ser humano e sua capacitação como técnico profissional. Enfatiza-se em que a formação é responsabilidade de todos os atores do processo educativo e não de umas quantas matérias, como geralmente se pensa.

Evidencia del polimorfismo 511C>T en el gen de la acil-CoA deshidrogenasade cadena corta en Colombia / Evidence of 511C>T polymorphism in the short chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase gene in Colombia / Evidência do polimorfismo 511C>T no gene da acil-CoA desidrogenase de cadeia curta na Colômbia

La acil-CoA deshidrogenasa de cadena corta (SCAD) cataliza la reacción inicial de la ß-oxidación de los ácidos grasos de cadena corta. La deficiencia hereditaria de SCAD ha sido reportada y han sido descritos pocos casos de la misma. El presente estudio pretendió determinar la posible presencia del polimorfismo 511C>T en Caldas (Colombia), debido a que las variantes 625G>A y 511C>T en el gen de la acil-CoA deshidrogenasa de cadena corta están presentes en el 14% de algunas poblaciones estudiadas, causando algunas veces su deficiencia. El presente estudio es descriptivo. Muestras de sangre de 300 voluntarios fueron estudiadas para el polimorfismo 511C>T mediante la técnica de polimorfismo de conformación de la cadena simple, utilizando ADN amplificado por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Los resultados fueron confirmados por secuenciación. El polimorfismo fue identificado en tres personas aparentemente sanas. Existe evidencia de la presencia del polimorfismo 511C>T en el gen de la acil-CoA en Colombia, lo que significa que algunas personas de esta población pueden tener riesgo de sufrir su deficiencia.

Short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD) catalyzes the initial reaction in short-chain fatty acid ß-oxidation. Hereditary SCAD deficiency has been reported and only few cases of this disorder have been described. The present study was conducted to determine the possible presence of the 511C>T variation in the short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase gene in Caldas (Colombia), as the 625G>A and 511C>T variations are present in 14% of some studied populations causing its deficiency on some occasions. The present study is descriptive, blood samples of three hundred adult volunteers were tested for 511C>T polymorphism, analysing the polymerase chain reaction amplified cDNA, using a single-stranded conformation polymorphism assay. The results were confirmed by direct bidirectional cycle sequencing using DNA from the positive patients. The polymorphism was identified and confirmed in three healthy persons. This is evidence of the presence of 511C>T polymorphism in the short chain acyl-coA dehydrogenase gene in Colombia, which means that some people in these populations can be at risk of suffering SCAD deficiency.

A acil-CoA desidrogenase de cadeia curta (SCAD) catalisa a reação inicial da b-oxidação dos ácidos graxos de cadeia curta. Foi reportada a deficiência hereditária de SCAD e poucos casos da deficiência foram descritos. O presente trabalho quis determinar a possível presença do polimorfismo 511C>T em Caldas (Colômbia), devido a que as variantes 625G>A e 511C>T no gene da acil-CoA desidrogenase de cadeia curta estão presentes em 14% de algumas populações estudadas, produzindo algumas vezes sua deficiência. O presente estudo é descritivo. Amostras de sangue de 300 voluntários foram analisadas para o polimorfismo 511C>T através da técnica de polimorfismo de conformação da cadeia simples, utilizando DNA amplificado por reação em cadeia da polimerase. Os resultados foram confirmados por sequenciamento. O polimorfismo foi identificado em três pessoas aparentemente saudáveis. Existe evidência da presença do polimorfismo 511C>T no gene da acil-CoA na Colômbia, o que significa que algumas pessoas desta população correm o risco de sofrer sua deficiência.

Mutation analysis for a family affected with riboflavin responsive-multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify pathogenic mutation in a boy affected with riboflavin responsive-multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (RR-MADD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The patient was initially diagnosed as primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) and has been treated with carnitine supplementation for 7 years. Clinical manifestations and characteristics of fibula muscle specimen were analyzed. Potential mutation in electron transfer flavoprotein dehydrogenase (ETFDH) gene (for the patient and his parents) and carnitine transfer protein gene (SLC22A5) (for the patient) was screened.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Electronic microscopy of the muscle specimen has suggested lipid storage myopathy. Mutation analysis has found that the patient carried compound heterozygous mutations, c.250G>A and c.380T>C, in exon 3 of the ETFDH gene, whilst his father and mother were heterozygous for the c.380T>C and c.250G>A mutations, respectively. Screening of the SLC22A5 gene has yielded no clinically meaningful result. After the establishment of diagnosis of RR-MADD, the condition of the patient has improved greatly with supplementation of high doses of riboflavin along with continuous carnitine supplement.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The c.250G>A (p.Ala84Thr) mutation of exon 3 of the ETFDH gene has been a hot spot in Southern Chinese population, whilst the c.380T>C (p.Leu127Pro) is rarely reported. Our case has suggested that therapeutic diagnosis cannot substitute genetic testing. The mechanism for having stabilized the patient with only carnitine supplementation for 7 years needs further investigation.</p>

Biochemical and clinical findings in the first two cases of glutaric aciduria type I in the Philippines

We report the first two diagnosed cases of Glutaric Aciduria Type I (GA I) in the Philippines. The diagnosis was confirmed by urinary organic acid analysis by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) which showed the characteristic metabolites for GA I. Review of their clinical features showed macrocephaly, developmental delay, seizures, dystonia and choreoathetotic posturing. Cranial CT scan findings were also compatible with previously reported cases. This paper emphasizes the usefulness of locally available biochemical tools in the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism as well as the importance of clinical recognition of these disorders.

Inherited metabolic diseases in the urine organic acid analysis of complex febrile seizure patients / 소아과

PURPOSE: Seizure associated with fever may indicate the presence of underlying inherited metabolic diseases. The present study was performed to investigate the presence of underlying metabolic diseases in patients with complex febrile seizures, using analyses of urine organic acids. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed and compared the results of urine organic acid analysis with routine laboratory findings in 278 patients referred for complex febrile seizure. RESULTS: Of 278 patients, 132 had no abnormal laboratory findings, and 146 patients had at least one of the following abnormal laboratory findings: acidosis (n=58), hyperammonemia (n=55), hypoglycemia (n=21), ketosis (n=12). Twenty-six (19.7%) of the 132 patients with no abnormal findings and 104 (71.2%) of the 146 patients with statistically significant abnormalities showed abnormalities on the organic acid analysis (P<0.05). Mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders (n=23) were the most common diseases found in the normal routine laboratory group, followed by PDH deficiency (n=2 ) and ketolytic defect (n=1). In the abnormal routine laboratory group, mitochondrial respiratory chain disorder (n=29) was the most common disease, followed by ketolytic defects (n=27), PDH deficiency (n=9), glutaric aciduria type II (n=9), 3-methylglutaconic aciduria type III (n=6), biotinidase deficiency (n=5), propionic acidemia (n=4), methylmalonic acidemia (n=2), 3-hydroxyisobutyric aciduria (n=2), orotic aciduria (n=2), fatty acid oxidation disorders (n=2), 2-methylbranched chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (n=2), 3-methylglutaconic aciduria type I (n=1), maple syrup urine disease (n=1), isovaleric acidemia (n=1), HMG-CoA lyase deficiency (n=1), L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (n=1), and pyruvate carboxylase deficiency (n=1). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that urine organic acid analysis should be performed in all patients with complex febrile seizure and other risk factors for early detection of inherited metabolic diseases.

Citrobacter freundii infection in glutaric aciduria type 1: adding insult to injury.

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) is an inborn error of organic acid metabolism, where the brain is the principal organ affected with exposure to toxic metabolic product, 3-hydroxyglutaric acid (3-OHGA). A 2-year-old boy with GA1 and delayed developmental milestones had an acute neurological crisis leading to massive brain abscess with Citrobacter freundi infection, a rare cause of neonatal meningitis and often associated with brain abscess. Both 3-OHGA and C. freundii can damage the blood-brain barrier and can cause significant trauma which demands immediate and appropriate management. Encephalopathic manifestations of GA1 may consequently increase the risk of meningeal infection and it has not been previously documented.

Outcome of organic acidurias in China

From June 1998 to May 2007, 9566 urine samples were collected from patients with psychomotor deficits, seizures, vomiting and unconsciousness in Peking University First Hospital. Their urine organic acids profiles were analysed using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GCMS), GCMS solution and Inborn Errors of Metabolism Screening System software. In all patients, blood acylcarnitines were analysed using tandem mass spectrometry. One hundred and sixty-eight patients (1.76%) with organic acidurias were detected. Among them, 116 (116/ 168, 69.0%) had methylmalonic aciduria, 63 (54.3%) of these 116 patients had methylmalonic aciduria combined with homocysteinemia. Sixteen (9.5%) of those patients detected with organic acidurias had propionic aciduria, and 15 (8.9%) had multiple carboxylase deficiency. Seven (4.2%) had glutaric aciduria type 1. After dietary treatment, medicine and rehabilitation, clinical improvements were observed in more than half of the patients. Twenty-eight of the 168 patients (16.7%) recovered and led a normal life. The method of urine organic acid analysis by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry and blood acylcarnitines analysis by tandem mass spectrometry have been established and applied successfully in China, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan and Guangzhou. The prognoses of Chinese patients with organic acidurias have also improved significantly.

Organic acidemias in Korea: Eight years experience of organic acid analysis / 소아과

PURPOSE: We have done this retrospective study to know the relative incidence and clinical manifestations of organic acidopathies in Korea during 8 years(from Jul. 1997 to May 2005). This results of organic acid analysis of 1,787 patients were compared with the results of organic acid analysis that were published three years ago. METHODS: The results of quantitative organic acid analysis of samples of 1788 patients, referred from Jul. 1997 to May 2005, were analyzed retrospectively according to four age group(-2 mon, 3 mon-2 years, 3-12 years) and major clinical manifestations. Quantification of 83 organic acids was done with gas chromatography and mass spectometry. RESULTS: We diagnosed 470 patients with 27 diseases of organic acid metabolism during this study period. Diseases found more than 10 cases are cytosolic 3-ketothiolase deficiency, mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders, PDHC deficiency, mitochondrial 3-ketothiolase deficiency, glutaric aciduria type II, biotinidase deficiency, methylmalonic aciduria and propionic aciduria. Other diseases were diagnosed in less than 10 cases. CONCLUSION: Though the incidence of individual organic acidemia is low, the overall incidence of organic acidemia as a whole seems to be relatively high in Korea. Compared with the results of organic acid analysis that were reported three years ago, we couldn't find a new disease and the difference of the relative incidences of high incident diseases. We were apprehensive of the errors that was owing to the short study period(3 years), but the relative incidences of our study(8 years) were similar to the results of organic acid analysis that were reported three years ago.

Organic acidemias in Korea / 한양의대학술지

Since we started organic acid analysis in July 1997, we have collected data about organic acidemias in Korea. The data presented herein constitute our 3 years experience in organic acid analysis. We have collected 712 samples from major university hospitals in all over Korea, which are large enough for relatively accurate estimation of incidence of organic acid disorders. We used solvent extraction method with ethylacetate, MSTFA for derivatization and simultaneously quantitation of 83 organic acids. Out of 712 patients sample, 498 samples (70%) showed no evidence of organic acid abnormalities. Out of the 214 remaining samples, we found very diverse disorders such as methylmalonic aciduria (6), propionic aciduria (10), biotinidase deficiency (6), maple syrup urine disease (3), isovaleric aciduria (4), tyrosinemia type II (4), tyrosinemia type IV (1), glutaric aciduria type I (1), glutaric aciduria type II (22), 3-methylglutaconic aciduria type I (3), 3-methylglutaconic aciduria type III (7), HMG-CoA lyase deficiency (1), hyperglyceroluria (2), cytosolic 3-ketothiolase deficiency (55), mitochondrial 3-ketothiolase deficiency (3), 3-hydroxyisobutyric aciduria (2), L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (2), fumaric aciduria (2), lactic aciduria with combined elevation of pyruvate (most likely PDHC deficiency) (28), lactic aciduria without combined elevation of pyruvate (most likely mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders) (35), SCAD deficiency (3), MCAD deficiency (1), 3-methylcrotonylglycineuria (1), orotic aciduria (most likely urea cycle disorders) (7) and 2-methylbranched chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (1). In conclusion, although the incidence of individual organic acidemia is low, the incidence of overall organic acidemia is relatively high in Korea. Most of the patients showed some signs of neurological dysfunction. Therefore, organic acid analysis should be included in the diagnostic work up of all neurological dysfunctions.

Organic Acidemias in Korea: Three Years Experience of Organic Acid Analysis

PURPOSE: We have done this retrospective study to know the relative incidences and clinical manifestations of organic acidopathies in Korea. METHODS: The results of quantitative organic acid analysis of 1,125 samples of 712 patients, referred from Jul. 1997 to Jun. 2000, were analyzed retrospectively according to four age groups (-2 mon, 3 mon-2 year, 3 years-12 years, over 12 years) and major clinical manifestations. Quantification of 83 organic acids was done with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry(GC/MS). RESULTS: We diagnosed 214 patients with 27 diseases of organic acid metabolism during this study period. Diseases found more than 10 cases are cytosolic 3-ketothiolase deficiency, mitochondrial repsiratory chain disorders, PDHC deficiency, glutaric aciduria type II and propionic aciduria. Other diseases were diagnosed in less than 10 cases, mostly one or two cases during this study period. Most of the patients had some symptoms of neurological dysfunction such as seizure activity(195 patients), developmental delay(122), mental retardation(99), hypotonia(84), movement disorders(81) and vomiting(68). CONCLUSION: Though the incidence of individual organic acidemia is low, the overall incidence of organic acidemia as a whole seems to be relatively high in Korea. Most of the patients showed some signs of neurological dysfunction.