Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: the effects of accidental fat loading in a patient detected through newborn screening

J Inherit Metab Dis. 2009 Dec:32 Suppl 1:S187-90. doi: 10.1007/s10545-009-1143-7. Epub 2009 Apr 4.

Abstract

Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of fatty acid oxidation. The majority of patients with VLCADD can be detected through newborn screening (NBS) with elevated levels of the tetradecanoyl carnitine species. An 11-month-old infant, diagnosed with late-onset VLCADD (genotype: T848C/G1322A) through newborn screening at birth, was admitted with emesis, severe lethargy, limpness in extremities, loss of muscle tone and an elevated CK level. He was mistakenly given Ketocal formula (about 8 g/kg per day long-chain fat-over six times his usual intake) instead of his usual Monogen formula for 2.5 days before being admitted. Once admitted, he was started on Monogen and IV (10% dextrose) fluids. He was discharged home after four days in the hospital without any sequelae of this accidental fat loading event. The report highlights several important points about this particular case and more generally about patients with VLCADD detected through NBS: (1) the amount of time in which patients might become severely symptomatic and the nature of these symptoms after fat loading; (2) the time frame for complete recovery after beginning of treatment; (3) the importance of alerting home-care companies and families about formula delivery errors and their repercussions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase, Long-Chain / deficiency
  • Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase, Long-Chain / genetics
  • Age of Onset
  • Congenital Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes
  • Diet, Fat-Restricted
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage*
  • Dietary Fats / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Formula / administration & dosage
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lipid Metabolism, Inborn Errors / diagnosis*
  • Lipid Metabolism, Inborn Errors / diet therapy*
  • Lipid Metabolism, Inborn Errors / genetics
  • Male
  • Medical Errors
  • Milk Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / diet therapy*
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / genetics
  • Muscular Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Muscular Diseases / diet therapy*
  • Muscular Diseases / genetics
  • Neonatal Screening

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • Milk Proteins
  • Monogen
  • Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase, Long-Chain

Supplementary concepts

  • VLCAD deficiency