Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders

This disorder is one of the most common inherited disorders of metabolism, particularly among people of Northern European descent.

Symptoms of MCAD deficiency usually develop after 2 to 3 months of age. Children are most likely to develop symptoms if they go without food for a period of time (which depletes other sources of energy) or have an increased need for calories because of exercise or illness. The level of sugar (glucose) in the blood drops significantly (hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is abnormally low levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Hypoglycemia is most often caused by medications taken to control diabetes. Much less common causes of hypoglycemia include... read more ), causing confusion or coma. Children become weak and may have vomiting or seizures. Over the long term, children have delayed mental and physical development, an enlarged liver, heart muscle weakness, and an irregular heartbeat. Sudden death may occur.

All states in the United States now require all newborns be screened for MCAD deficiency with a blood test. Tests of the urine and other tissues may also be done. DNA testing can be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Immediate treatment of an MCAD deficiency attack is with dextrose given by vein. For long-term treatment, children must eat often, never skip meals, and consume a diet high in carbohydrates and low in fats. Supplements of the amino acid carnitine may be helpful. Cornstarch may need to be given at night to prevent the level of glucose in the blood from getting too low. The long-term outcome is generally good.

This deficiency is the second most common fatty acid oxidation disorder. It causes symptoms similar to those caused by MCAD deficiency. People may also have progressive impairment of the structure and function of the muscular walls of the heart chambers (cardiomyopathy Overview of Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy refers to progressive impairment of the structure and function of the muscular walls of the heart chambers. There are three main types of cardiomyopathy: Dilated cardiomyopathy... read more ), damage to the nerves of the hands and feet, and abnormal liver function. When children exert themselves, such as when exercising, the muscle tissue may become destroyed (rhabdomyolysis Rhabdomyolysis Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscle fibers damaged by disease, injury, or toxic substances break down and release their contents into the bloodstream. Severe disease can cause acute kidney injury... read more ) and the damaged muscles may release the protein myoglobin, which turns the urine brown or bloody (myoglobinuria).

A woman whose fetus has LCHAD deficiency often has hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells), elevated levels of liver enzymes (indicating liver damage), and a low platelet count (called HELLP syndrome HELLP syndrome Preeclampsia is new high blood pressure or worsening of existing high blood pressure that is accompanied by excess protein in the urine and that develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. Eclampsia... read more ) while pregnant.

Doctors diagnose LCHAD deficiency by testing the blood for certain acids. Tests of skin cells are done to look for levels of certain enzymes. Genetic testing Genetic Screening Before Pregnancy Genetic screening is used to determine whether a couple is at increased risk of having a baby with a hereditary genetic disorder. Hereditary genetic disorders are disorders of chromosomes or... read more , which is used to determine whether a couple is at increased risk of having a baby with a hereditary genetic disorder, is also available. All states in the United States now require all newborns be screened for LCHAD deficiency with a blood test.

Immediate treatment of an LCHAD deficiency attack is with hydration and glucose given by vein, bed rest, and supplements of the amino acid carnitine. For long-term treatment, children must eat often, avoid strenuous exercise, and consume a diet high in carbohydrates. Children are also given supplements of triglycerides.

This deficiency is similar to LCHAD deficiency, but people typically have severe cardiomyopathy Overview of Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy refers to progressive impairment of the structure and function of the muscular walls of the heart chambers. There are three main types of cardiomyopathy: Dilated cardiomyopathy... read more .

Children who have this disorder have low blood sugar when their stomach is empty (called fasting hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is abnormally low levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Hypoglycemia is most often caused by medications taken to control diabetes. Much less common causes of hypoglycemia include... read more ), a severe buildup of acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis Acidosis Acidosis is caused by an overproduction of acid that builds up in the blood or an excessive loss of bicarbonate from the blood (metabolic acidosis) or by a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood... read more ), and an increase in ammonia in the blood (hyperammonemia).

Doctors diagnose glutaric acidemia type II by analyzing the blood to look for a buildup of certain molecules. Tests of skin cells are done to look for levels of certain enzymes. Genetic testing is also available.

Treatment of glutaric acidemia type II is similar to that for MCAD deficiency, except that doctors may give supplements of riboflavin Riboflavin Deficiency Riboflavin deficiency usually occurs with deficiencies of other B vitamins due to a diet low in vitamins or an absorption disorder. People have painful cracks in the corners of the mouth and... read more (vitamin B2).