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Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique logoLink to Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique
. 2008 Jul 1;99(4):276–280. doi: 10.1007/BF03403754

Newborn Screening for MCAD Deficiency

Experience of the First Three Years in British Columbia, Canada

Gabriella A Horvath 18, A G F Davidson 18, Sylvia G Stockler-Ipsiroglu 18, Yolanda P Lillquist 18, Paula J Waters 28, S Olpin 38, B S Andresen 48, Jan Palaty 28, Judie Nelson 28,, Hilary Vallance 28
PMCID: PMC6975828  PMID: 18767270

Abstract

Background

Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase (MCAD) Deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of fatty acid oxidation, with potential fatal outcome. MCAD deficiency is diagnosed by acylcarnitine analysis on newborn screening blood spot cards by tandem mass spectrometry. Early diagnosis of MCAD and presymptomatic treatment can potentially reduce morbidity and mortality.

Objectives

To evaluate incidence, clinical outcome, biochemical and molecular phenotype of MCAD cases detected in the first three years of newborn screening in British Columbia (BC).

Methods and Results

Medium chain length acylcarnitines, octanoylcarnitine (C8) and decanoylcarnitine (C10), were measured on newborn screening blood spot cards. Out of 121,000 live births, 17 newborns had C8 values above the screening cut-off of 0.38 umol/L. Ten newborns had elevated C8 on repeat cards and were investigated further. Both C8 and C8/C10 ratios remained abnormal in all confirmed MCAD cases. Positive predictive value of screening was 58% with no false negative results. Seven patients were homozygous for the common c.985A>G MCAD mutation and three others were compound heterozygous for the c.985A>G and a second mutation. Two novel mutations were identified (c.260T>C and c.382T>A). The estimated incidence of MCAD was ≈1:12,000 live births. Upon frequent feeding and carnitine supplementation, none of the patients had metabolic crises or adverse outcomes.

Conclusion

Frequency of MCAD in BC is comparable to reports from other newborn screening programs. Persistence of elevated C8 levels and C8/C10 ratios in confirmed MCAD cases suggest that these are sensitive markers for newborn screening. Early detection and treatment have successfully prevented adverse health outcomes in patients with MCAD.

Key words: Neonatal screening, fatty acid oxidation complex, Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, medium chain Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, sudden infant death

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