Kernicterus in a boy with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency: A case report.

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is an X-linked urea cycle defect associated with severe and usually fatal hyperammonemia. This study describes a patient with early onset lethal OTCD due to a known pathogenic variant (c.298+1G>A), as well as the novel autopsy finding of kernicterus with relatively low blood concentration of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) (11.55 mg/dL). The patient was a full-term male with a family history of two previous male siblings who died as newborns after acute neurologic deterioration. The patient's symptoms began at 24 h of life with lethargy that rapidly progressed to coma upon admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Although hyperammonemia and hyperbilirubinemia were documented, hemofiltration could not be performed. OTCD diagnosis was biochemically established. Despite nutritional intervention and treatment for hyperammonemia, the patient died on the sixth day of life. At autopsy, external brain examination revealed a marked yellow pigmentation typical of kernicterus that included gray matter, particularly the thalamus and basal ganglia; dentate nuclei of the cerebellum and brain stem gray matter were also affected. Microscopic findings were consistent with the classical description of tissue damage in OTCD, including the presence of Alzheimer type II astrocytes in basal ganglia, necrosis, neuronal loss with spongiform degeneration and macrophage infiltration surrounded by astroglia. This condition may be an important comorbidity in newborns with hyperammonemia.

Hepatorenal Tyrosinemia in Mexico: A Call to Action.

Hepatorenal tyrosinemia is a treatable metabolic disease characterized by progressive liver failure, renal damage and pronounced coagulopathy. Its clinical diagnosis is difficult because of its low prevalence and heterogeneous symptoms. In developed countries, expanded newborn screening, based on succinylacetone quantification by tandem mass spectrometry, has been very valuable in the early detection of hepatorenal tyrosinemia, providing the opportunity for rapid treatment of affected patients. In developing countries without systematic expanded newborn screening, however, diagnosis and treatment of this disease remain major challenges, as genetic diseases in these countries are not a health priority and there are few referral centers for infants with inherited errors of metabolism. This chapter describes the diagnosis, follow-up and outcome of 20 Mexican patients with hepatorenal tyrosinemia. This chapter also constitutes a call to action to pediatricians, gastroenterologists, geneticists and other health professionals, and to academic organizations, health authorities and patient advocacy groups, to promote early patient detection and treatment, reducing the unacceptably high mortality rate (75%) in Mexican infants with this potentially deadly but eminently treatable condition.

Tyrosinemia type I: clinical and biochemical analysis of patients in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatorenal tyrosinemia (HT1) is a treatable, inherited, metabolic disease characterized by progressive liver failure with pronounced coagulopathy. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical, biochemical, and histopathological findings in a group of Mexican HT1 patients and their outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of HT1 patients diagnosed between 1995 and 2011 were analyzed. The diagnosis of HT1 was confirmed by detection of succinylacetone in urine or blood. RESULTS: Sixteen nonrelated HT1 cases were analyzed. Mean age at clinical onset was 9 months, and the mean age at diagnosis was 16.3 months. Main clinical findings were hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, cirrhosis, liver failure, tubulopathy, nephromegaly, Fanconi syndrome, seizures and failure to thrive. Histopathological findings were cirrhosis, fibrosis and steatosis. The HT1 group had a mortality rate of 78%. Patients who received supportive care or nutritional treatment had a 3-year survival rate of 10%. For those who underwent liver transplantation, the 6-year survival rate was 60%. In most cases pharmacological treatment with nitisinone and special dietary products were not available. The leading causes of death were fulminant liver failure, metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, and porphyria-like neurologic crisis. Newborn screening programs in combination with the availability of orphan drugs, proper monitoring, genetic counseling, and clinical practice guidelines are needed to enable physicians to identify the disease, delay its progression, and improve patients' quality of life. CONCLUSION: The devastating natural history of HT1 is still observed in Mexican patients because they are not diagnosed and treated during the early stages of the disease.

Importance of genetic sequencing studies in managing chronic neonatal diarrhea: a case report of a novel variant in the glucose-galactose transporter SLC5A1.

Introduction: Congenital glucose-galactose malabsorption (CGGM) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that primarily causes chronic intractable diarrhea. This study aims to describe the clinical history, laboratory profile, diagnostic workflow, and management of the first patient reported with CGGM in Mexico. Methods: The case involves a Mexican female infant with recurrent admissions to the emergency room since birth due to chronic diarrhea. Results: The infant was born at term by C-section with a birth weight of 3.120 kg and height of 48 cm for consanguineous parents. She had been breastfed until day 5 of her life when she presented lethargy, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice. During the first evaluation at the emergency room, the significant laboratory finding was blood tyrosine elevation; afterward, amino acid and succinylacetone determinations were obtained, discarding tyrosinemia. When admitted to the hospital, an abdominal ultrasound detected a duplex collecting system. At this time, rice formula was introduced to the patient. She was discharged with jaundice improvement, but diarrhea persisted. Several formula changes had been made from rice to extensively hydrolyzed casein protein to whey-based, with no clinical improvement; the patient still had 10-12 excretions daily. In the second hospitalization, the patient presented anemia, severe dehydration, hyperammonemia, and renal tubular acidosis. A next-generation sequencing panel for inborn errors of metabolism and congenital diarrhea was performed, identifying a homozygous variant in SLC5A1 (c.1667T > C). The diagnosis of CGGM was made at 3 months of age. The infant was initially treated with a modular galactose-glucose-free formula with oil, fructose, casein, minerals, and vitamins until a commercial fructose-based formula was introduced. This led to a complete resolution of diarrhea and improved nutritional status. Discussion: Diagnosing CGGM is challenging for clinicians, and next-generation sequencing is a valuable tool for providing appropriate treatment. More detailed information on patients with this condition might lead to possible phenotype-genotype correlations. This case's primary clinical and biochemical findings were chronic diarrhea, anemia, jaundice, renal tubular acidosis, hyperammonemia, and initial hypertyrosinemia. Symptoms were resolved entirely with the fructose-based formula.

Hypogammaglobulinemia Class G Is Present in Compensated and Decompensated Patients with Propionate Defects, Independent of Their Nutritional Status.

Propionate defects (PDs) mainly include methylmalonic (MMA) and propionic acidemia (PA) defects. Lifelong PD patients progress from the compensated to the decompensated stages, the latter of which are characterized by life-threatening acidemia and hyperammonemia crises. PD patients can suffer immunocompromise, especially during the decompensation stage. There is a significant gap in the research regarding the humoral immune response in PD patients. Here, we analyzed serum immunoglobulin concentrations and hemograms across compensated and decompensated stages in PD patients. Nutritional status and crisis triggers of decompensation were also explored. Twenty patients were studied, and 25 decompensation events (DE) and 8 compensation events (CE) were recorded. Compared with those in the CE group, the IgG levels in the DE group (513.4 ± 244.5 mg/dL) were significantly lower than those in the CE group (860.8 ± 456.5 mg/dL) (p < 0.0087). The mean hemoglobin concentration was significantly lower in the DE group (11.8 g/dL) than in the CE group (13.4 g/dL) (p < 0.05). The most frequent (48%) possible decompensation trigger factor was infection. Most of the events were registered in eutrophic patients (87.9%), despite which 65.2% and 50% of patients who experienced decompensated and compensated events, respectively, presented with hypogammaglobulinemia G. These findings provide evidence of the immunodeficiency of PD patients, independent of their nutritional status. We suggest that PD patients be managed as immunocompromised independently of their nutritional status or metabolic state (compensated or decompensated).

The BMI Z-Score and Protein Energy Ratio in Early- and Late-Diagnosed PKU Patients from a Single Reference Center in Mexico.

The relationship between protein and energy and their appropriate proportions in hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) or phenylketonuria (PKU) patients in terms of growth have been poorly studied, especially in those diagnosed late. We aimed to describe the protein energy ratio (P:E) and its association with body mass index (BMI) in 638 dietetic and anthropometric assessments from 54 early- or late-diagnosed HPA/PKU patients. Dietetic and anthropometric data were analyzed and classified according to BMI Z-Score and type of diagnosis, early by newborn screening (NBS) or late. Correlation between BMI Z-Score and P:E ratio was established. Percent of dietary protein from Phe-free metabolic formula was analyzed. According to the BMI Z-Score, the majority of assessments were eutrophic (69.4%). The median P:E ratio was >4 in most of the overweight assessments. Remarkably, the underweight group consumed the highest proportion of Phe-free metabolic formula (74.5%). A positive correlation between BMI Z-Score and P:E ratio was found. The highest proportion of underweight was found in the late-diagnosed patients. Our findings might be related to their nutritional history previous to the HPA/PKU treatment. Thus, complex nutritional outcome of the late-diagnosed HPA/PKU patients deserves actions to guarantee the early diagnosis, closer nutritional follow-up and alternative therapeutic approaches.

A Review of Disparities and Unmet Newborn Screening Needs over 33 Years in a Cohort of Mexican Patients with Inborn Errors of Intermediary Metabolism.

Advances in an early diagnosis by expanded newborn screening (NBS) have been achieved mainly in developed countries, while populations of middle- and low-income countries have poor access, leading to disparities. Expanded NBS in Mexico is not mandatory. Herein, we present an overview of the differences and unmet NBS needs of a group of Mexican patients with inborn errors of intermediary metabolism (IEiM), emphasizing the odyssey experienced to reach a diagnosis. We conducted a retrospective observational study of a historical cohort of patients with IEiM from a national reference center. A total of 924 patients with IEiM were included. Although 72.5% of the diseases identified are detectable by expanded NBS, only 35.4% of the patients were screened. The mortality in the unscreened group was almost two-fold higher than that in the screened group. Patients experienced a median diagnostic delay of 4 months, which is unacceptably long considering that to prevent disability and death, these disorders must be treated in the first days of life. Patients had to travel long distances to our reference center, contributing to their unacceptable diagnostic odyssey. This study highlights the urgent need to have an updated, expanded NBS program with adequate follow up in Mexico and promote the creation of regional medical care centers. We also provide compelling evidence that could prove valuable to decision makers overseeing public health initiatives for individuals impacted by IEiM from middle- and low-income countries.

In Silico Structural Protein Evaluation of the Phenylalanine Hydroxylase p.(Tyr77His) Variant Associated with Benign Hyperphenylalaninemia as Identified through Mexican Newborn Screening.

Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA), which includes phenylketonuria (PKU), is a genetic autosomal recessive disorder arising from a deficiency in the enzyme named phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). Affected patients can experience severe and irreversible neurological impairments when phenylalanine (Phe) blood concentration exceeds 360 µmol/L (6 mg/dL). Here, we describe a female HPA patient who was born in Mexico to Cuban non-consanguineous parents and identified by newborn screening, and who bears the previously unreported PAH NM_000277.3(PAH):c.[229T>C];[1222C>T] or p.[Tyr77His];[Arg408Trp] genotype. At diagnosis, the patient showed a Phe blood level of 321 µmol/L (5.3 mg/dL), indicative of mild HPA. Neither of the PAH variants found in this patient had been previously reported in the mutational PAH spectrum of the Mexican population. The c.229T>C or p.(Tyr77His) PAH variant was previously related to mild HPA in the Swedish population. Our in silico structural analysis and molecular docking showed that mutated His 77 residue is located in the allosteric site of PAH at the interface of the two monomers. The PDBsum in silico tool predicted that this variant would cause minimal structural disturbance of the protein interface in the presence of Phe at the allosteric site. Docking studies revealed that these structural changes might be attenuated by the allosteric effect of Phe. Given the classic PKU phenotype conditioned by the "Celtic" or c.[1222C>T] or p.(Arg408Trp) PAH variant, which is the second variant in this patient, we propose that p.(Tyr77His) has a hypomorphic feature that could explain her mild HPA phenotype. Our results show the importance of following up on cases detected by NBS and the value of genetic studies and in silico tools that aid in the establishment of correct therapeutic strategies.

Update on breastfeeding in newborns with inborn errors of intermediary metabolism.

Inborn errors of intermediary metabolism (IEiM) are a group of monogenic disorders that affect a metabolic pathway of proteins, carbohidrates, or lipids; when not treated timely, IEiM are associated with high morbidity and mortality. To date, nutritional therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with IEiM, which aims to prevent the accumulation of toxic metabolites by restricting the substrates involved in the affected pathway. Nutritional management in infants includes a metabolic formula free of the nutrients involved in IEiM and breastmilk or infant formula. Because of its amino acid profile, the content of essential fatty acids, and protection against disease, breast milk is an excellent food for patients with IEiM. This literature review on breastfeeding in some IEiM aims to serve as a guide for health care personnel involved in the medical care of these patients. Breastfeeding can be successfully carried out in patients with IEiM as long as there is a close and continuous follow-up, preferably in specialized centers. The nutrition professional and the pediatrician should individualize the recommendations to provide on-demand breastfeeding in conjunction with metabolic formula or quantified breastfeeding to achieve a good clinical evolution in this group of patients.

Los errores innatos del metabolismo intermediario (EIMi) son un grupo de enfermedades monogénicas que afectan alguna vía del metabolismo de las proteínas, los hidratos de carbono o los lípidos; cuando no son tratados a tiempo, se asocian con una elevada morbimortalidad. A la fecha, la piedra angular del tratamiento de los EIMi ha sido la terapia nutricional, cuyo propósito es evitar la acumulación de metabolitos tóxicos al restringir los sustratos que están involucrados en la vía afectada. El manejo nutricional en lactantes incluye una fórmula metabólica sin los nutrimentos involucrados en el EIMi más el aporte de alimentación al seno materno o fórmula infantil. Por el perfil de aminoácidos, la proporción de ácidos grasos esenciales y la protección contra enfermedades, la leche materna resulta un alimento ideal para los pacientes con EIMi. El objetivo de esta revisión de la literatura sobre la lactancia materna en algunos EIMi es servir de guía para el personal de salud involucrado en la atención médica de estos pacientes. La lactancia materna puede ser llevada a cabo de forma exitosa en pacientes con EIMi siempre que exista un seguimiento estrecho y continuo, de preferencia en centros especializados. El profesional de la nutrición y el pediatra deben individualizar las recomendaciones para proporcionar una lactancia a libre demanda en conjunto con una fórmula metabólica o una lactancia materna cuantificada, y con ello lograr una adecuada evolución en estos pacientes.

Metabolic formulas for phenylketonuric patients available in Mexico. / Fórmulas metabólicas disponibles en México para pacientes con fenilcetonuria.

La fenilcetonuria y otras hiperfenilalaninemias son enfermedades genéticas cuya detección actualmente es obligatoria en México, tanto en el sector público como en el privado. La detección y el tratamiento oportunos han demostrado prevenir las manifestaciones neurológicas y la discapacidad que caracterizan esta enfermedad. Por ello, es de suma importancia que el pediatra y el personal de salud involucrados en la atención de estos pacientes conozcan, comprendan e implementen el manejo nutricional de manera correcta. Aunque existen varios tratamientos, el más utilizado es la restricción dietética de fenilalanina. El tratamiento nutricio incluye el uso de la llamada «fórmula médica¼ o «fórmula metabólica sin fenilalanina¼, la cual fue concebida desde el primer tercio del siglo XX. Posteriormente, se han realizado múltiples estudios y modificaciones con el fin de mejorar el pronóstico de los pacientes. El presente trabajo describe las principales características y diferencias entre las fórmulas libres de fenilalanina de seguimiento disponibles en México, para que el personal de salud cuente con elementos para su correcta prescripción.

An Updated PAH Mutational Spectrum of Phenylketonuria in Mexican Patients Attending a Single Center: Biochemical, Clinical-Genotyping Correlations.

Establishing the genotypes of patients with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA)/phenylketonuria (PKU, MIM#261600) has been considered a cornerstone for rational medical management. However, knowledge of the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene (PAH) mutational spectrum in Latin American populations is still limited. Herein, we aim to update the mutational PAH spectrum in the largest cohort of HPA/PKU Mexican patients (N = 124) reported to date. The biallelic PAH genotype was investigated by Sanger automated sequencing, and genotypes were correlated with documented biochemical phenotypes and theoretical tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) responsiveness. Patients were biochemically classified as having classic PKU (50%, 62/124), mild PKU (20.2%, 25/124) and mild HPA (29.8%, 37/124). Furthermore, 78.2% of the included patients (97/124) were identified by newborn screening. A total of 60 different pathogenic variants were identified, including three novel ones (c. 23del, c. 625_626insC and c. 1315 + 5_1315 + 6insGTGTAACAG), the main categories being missense changes (58%, 35/60) and those affecting the catalytic domain (56.6%, 34/60), and c. 60 + 5G > T was the most frequent variant (14.5%, 36/248) mainly restricted (69.2%) to patients from the central and western parts of Mexico. These 60 types of variants constituted 100 different biallelic PAH genotypes, with the predominance of compound-heterozygous ones (96/124, 77%). The expected BH4 responsiveness based on the PAH genotype was estimated in 52% of patients (65/124), mainly due to the p. (Val388Met) (rs62516101) allele. Instead, our study identified 27 null variants with an allelic phenotype value of zero, with a predominance of c. 60 + 5G > T, which predicts the absence of BH4 responsiveness. An identical genotype reported in BIOPKUdb was found in 92/124 (74%) of our patients, leading to a genotype-phenotype concordance in 80/92 (86.9%) of them. The high number of variants found confirms the heterogeneous and complex mutational landscape of HPA/PKU in Mexico.

Molecular analysis using targeted next generation DNA sequencing and clinical spectrum of Mexican patients with isovaleric acidemia.

Isovaleric acidemia (IVA) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by deficiency of isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase. IVA clinical picture includes gastroenterological and progressive neurological symptoms which can lead to permanent disability and death. Early detection by newborn screening (NBS) and treatment promotes normal development. In this study, clinical summaries, biochemical measurements and targeted next generation sequencing (tNGS) data from the IVD gene were compared in 13 Mexican patients. The main symptoms were vomiting, feeding refusal, abdominal pain, impaired alertness, lethargy, stupor, coma; hypotonia, ataxia, hallucinations, seizures; anemia, neutropenia and pancytopenia. Mean blood concentration of isovalerylcarnintine was above the reference value (0.5 µM) in symptomatic patients (8.78 µM), as well as in the screen positive newborns (2.23 µM). The molecular spectrum of this cohort was heterogeneous, with 14 different variants identified, seven were previously-described, and seven were novel. The most frequent variant was c.158G > C (p.R53P). In this study, we found a long diagnostic delay (average of 44 months). Thus, it is essential to increase physician awareness of this treatable condition. Biochemical IVA NBS accompanied by molecular studies (e.g. tNGS) will permit identification of potentially asymptomatic forms of the disease, and improve genotype-phenotype relationship, management decisions and follow-up.

Mutational spectrum of Mexican patients with tyrosinemia type 1: In silico modeling and predicted pathogenic effect of a novel missense FAH variant.

BACKGROUND: Tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1, MIM#276700) is caused by a deficiency in fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) and it is associated with severe liver and renal disfunction. At present, the mutational FAH (15q25.1, MIM*613871) spectrum underlying HT1 in the Mexican population is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the FAH genotypes in eight nonrelated Mexican patients with HT1, who were diagnosed clinically. METHODS: Sequencing of FAH and their exon-intron boundaries and in silico protein modeling based on the crystallographic structure of mouse FAH. RESULTS: We identified pathogenic variants in 15/16 studied alleles (93.8%). Nine different variants were found. The most commonly detected HT1-causing allele was NM_000137.2(FAH):c.3G > A or p.(?) [rs766882348] (25%, n = 4/16). We also identified a novel missense variant NM_000137.2(FAH):c.36C > A or p.(Phe12Leu) in a homozygous patient with an early and fatal acute form. The latter was classified as a likely pathogenic variant and in silico protein modeling showed that Phe-12 residue substitution for Leu, produces a repulsion in all possible Leu rotamers, which in turn would lead to a destabilization of the protein structure and possible loss-of-function. CONCLUSION: HT1 patients had a heterogeneous mutational and clinical spectrum and no genotype-phenotype correlation could be established.

In silico prediction of the pathogenic effect of a novel variant of BCKDHA leading to classical maple syrup urine disease identified using clinical exome sequencing.

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a metabolic disorder caused by mutations in three of the branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase complex (BCKDC) genes. Classical MSUD symptom can be observed immediately after birth and include ketoacidosis, irritability, lethargy, and coma, which can lead to death or irreversible neurodevelopmental delay in survivors. The molecular diagnosis of MSUD can be time-consuming and difficult to establish using conventional Sanger sequencing because it could be due to pathogenic variants of any of the BCKDC genes. Next-generation sequencing-based methodologies have revolutionized the molecular diagnosis of inborn errors in metabolism and offer a superior approach for genotyping these patients. Here, we report an MSUD case whose molecular diagnosis was performed by clinical exome sequencing (CES), and the possible structural pathogenic effect of a novel E1α subunit pathogenic variant was analyzed using in silico analysis of α and ß subunit crystallographic structure. Molecular analysis revealed a new homozygous non-sense c.1267C>T or p.Gln423Ter variant of BCKDHA. The novel BCKDHA variant is considered pathogenic because it caused a premature stop codon that probably led to the loss of the last 22 amino acid residues of the E1α subunit C-terminal end. In silico analysis of this region showed that it is in contact with several residues of the E1ß subunit mainly through polar contacts, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions. CES strategy could benefit the patients and families by offering precise and prompt diagnosis and better genetic counseling.

Mutational spectrum of PTS gene and in silico pathological assessment of a novel variant in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is the cofactor for 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS); it is involved in BH4 biosynthesis and is encoded by PTS gene. Its deficiency (PTPSD) is characterized by hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) and deficit in central monoamine neurotransmitters. We describe the clinical and mutational spectrum of five patients with PTPSD, from four unrelated Mexican families. All patients had symptomatic diagnosis and presented severe early neurological manifestations and HPA. METHODS: Clinical and biochemical data from studied patients were recorded. Responsible PTPSD genotypes was determined by direct and bidirectional Sanger DNA sequencing of the six PTS coding exons and their exon-intron borders, and these were directly searched in the available relatives. The novel PTS missense variant [NM_3000317.2:331G > T, p.(Ala111Ser)] was subjected to in silico, to predict a possible deleterious effect. RESULTS: Diminished fetal movements were perceived as a uniform characteristic in the studied group. DNA sequencing showed two known p.(Arg25∗) and p.(Val132TyrFs∗19) and the novel missense p.(Ala111Ser) PTS variants, the latter representing potentially a frequent PTPSD-responsible allele (50%, 4/8) in Mexican patients. In silico protein modeling analysis of the p.(Ala111Ser) variant revealed loss of hydrophobic interactions between the alanine and neighboring valines, suggesting that these changes in polarity may be detrimental for enzyme function, structure and/or stability. CONCLUSIONS: This work contributes to the knowledge of PTPS molecular spectrum. The delayed diagnosis of these patients emphasizes the importance of considering BH4 metabolism defects in the differential diagnosis of HPA, especially for countries that are beginning their HPA newborn screening programs.

Actualización sobre la lactancia materna en los recién nacidos con errores innatos del metabolismo intermediario / Update on breastfeeding in newborns with inborn errors of intermediary metabolism

Resumen Los errores innatos del metabolismo intermediario (EIMi) son un grupo de enfermedades monogénicas que afectan alguna vía del metabolismo de las proteínas, los hidratos de carbono o los lípidos; cuando no son tratados a tiempo, se asocian con una elevada morbimortalidad. A la fecha, la piedra angular del tratamiento de los EIMi ha sido la terapia nutricional, cuyo propósito es evitar la acumulación de metabolitos tóxicos al restringir los sustratos que están involucrados en la vía afectada. El manejo nutricional en lactantes incluye una fórmula metabólica sin los nutrimentos involucrados en el EIMi más el aporte de alimentación al seno materno o fórmula infantil. Por el perfil de aminoácidos, la proporción de ácidos grasos esenciales y la protección contra enfermedades, la leche materna resulta un alimento ideal para los pacientes con EIMi. El objetivo de esta revisión de la literatura sobre la lactancia materna en algunos EIMi es servir de guía para el personal de salud involucrado en la atención médica de estos pacientes. La lactancia materna puede ser llevada a cabo de forma exitosa en pacientes con EIMi siempre que exista un seguimiento estrecho y continuo, de preferencia en centros especializados. El profesional de la nutrición y el pediatra deben individualizar las recomendaciones para proporcionar una lactancia a libre demanda en conjunto con una fórmula metabólica o una lactancia materna cuantificada, y con ello lograr una adecuada evolución en estos pacientes.

Abstract Inborn errors of intermediary metabolism (IEiM) are a group of monogenic disorders that affect a metabolic pathway of proteins, carbohidrates, or lipids; when not treated timely, IEiM are associated with high morbidity and mortality. To date, nutritional therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with IEiM, which aims to prevent the accumulation of toxic metabolites by restricting the substrates involved in the affected pathway. Nutritional management in infants includes a metabolic formula free of the nutrients involved in IEiM and breastmilk or infant formula. Because of its amino acid profile, the content of essential fatty acids, and protection against disease, breast milk is an excellent food for patients with IEiM. This literature review on breastfeeding in some IEiM aims to serve as a guide for health care personnel involved in the medical care of these patients. Breastfeeding can be successfully carried out in patients with IEiM as long as there is a close and continuous follow-up, preferably in specialized centers. The nutrition professional and the pediatrician should individualize the recommendations to provide on-demand breastfeeding in conjunction with metabolic formula or quantified breastfeeding to achieve a good clinical evolution in this group of patients.

Importance of Studying Older Siblings of Patients Identified by Newborn Screening: a Single-Center Experience in Mexico

Abstract Introduction: Any abnormal newborn screening (NBS) test should be subjected to appropriate diagnostic tests and should be followed. Once the newborn has been diagnosed and treated, the family should receive comprehensive genetic services. Aim: To present the experience of studying older siblings of patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) identified by NBS in a single-national follow-up reference center. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical files of the IEM patients detected by NBS was conducted. All those older siblings who tested positive for the same IEM of the patient detected by newborn screening were included. Results: A total of 26 positive siblings from 18 families with seven different IEM were found (phenylketonuria, argininemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency, dihydropteridine reductase deficiency, tyrosinemia type 3, and medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency). The age range of the affected siblings was 2 to 19 years old, with a mean age of 8.5 years. Ten older siblings (38.5%) had clinical consequences for the disease, including severe intellectual disability. Conclusions: It is necessary to study older siblings, and family history and genetic counseling of all NBS-detected families should be recommended, especially in countries where expanded NBS programs are beginning.

[COMPARISON OF FREE CARNITINE LEVELS WITH NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN INFANTILE NEPHROPATHYC CISTINOSIS PATIENTS]. / COMPARACIÓN ENTRE LOS NIVELES DE CARNITINA LIBRE Y EL ESTADO NUTRICIONAL EN PACIENTES CON CISTINOSIS NEFROPÁTICA INFANTIL.

INTRODUCTION: infantile nephropathic cystinosis (INC) is an autosomal recessive disorder that causes defects in cystine transport with subsequent accumulation in almost all body tissues, especially kidneys. There are few studies regarding the nutritional status assessment of patients with INC. It has been reported that patients with INC showed increased urinary losses of carnitine, resulting in plasma and muscle carnitine deficiency also increased metabolic requirements of carnitine in this patients have also been proposed, but to date carnitine supplementation is controversial. OBJECTIVE: the aim of this study was to compare carnitine blood concentrations with nutritional status assessed by three anthropometric parameters: body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference and tricipital skin fold in patients with INC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: anthropometric assessment of 10 patients with INC which included measurement of weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference and tricipital skin fold thickness. Free carnitine (C0) was measured by tandem mass spectrometry in fasting blood samples. RESULTS: a total of 10 patients with INC were analyzed, 5 with and 5 without renal graft. According to the body mass index, 3/10 presented malnutrition. Muscular mass was found low in 8/10 patients (3 without renal graft and all the transplanted) the mid-upper arm circumference showed correlation with C0 blood concentrations (r2 = 0.353); non transplanted patients had C0 levels significantly lower than the transplanted ones (Chi2 = 0.0027). CONCLUSION: in this study we found that 70% of patients had low C0 blood levels that had a correlation with depleted lean body mass. It is recommendable to evaluate the nutritional status of these patients as part of their routine medical evaluation.

Introducción: la cistinosis nefropática infantil (CNI) es una enfermedad genética debida a un defecto del transporte de la cistina, con la subsecuente acumulación de este aminoácido predominantemente en el riñón. Existen pocos estudios sobre la evaluación del estado nutricional en pacientes con esta patología, pero se sabe que tienen una excreción de carnitina urinaria aumentada, lo que puede dar como resultado una deficiencia plasmática y muscular de este compuesto; sin embargo, la suplementación de carnitina en CNI es controversial. Objetivo: comparar la concentración sanguínea de carnitina libre (C0) con el estado nutricional de una cohorte de pacientes con CNI. Material y métodos: evaluación antropométrica mediante la medición de peso, talla, perímetro braquial (PB) y pliegue cutáneo tricipital (PCT). La C0 se cuantificó mediante espectrometría de masas en tándem en muestras de sangre en ayuno. Resultados: se analizaron 10 pacientes con CNI, 5 con y 5 sin trasplante renal. De acuerdo con el IMC, 3/10 presentaron desnutrición. La reserva de masa magra se encontró baja en 8/10 pacientes (3 no trasplantados y todos los trasplantados). El PB mostró correlación con las concentraciones sanguíneas de C0 (r2 = 0,353); Los pacientes no trasplantados tuvieron niveles de C0 significativamente más bajos que los trasplantados (Chi2 = 0,0027). Conclusión: en esta población de pacientes con CNI se encontró un 70% de sujetos con C0 baja, que se correlaciona con la masa magra disminuida. Es recomendable hacer una evaluación nutricional de rutina que incluya los tres parámetros antropométricos como parte del seguimiento médico-nutricional integral de estos pacientes.

[GASTROSTOMY POSITIVELY AFFECTS NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND DIMINISHES HOSPITAL DAYS IN PATIENTS WITH INBORN ERRORS OF METABOLISM]. / LA GASTROSTOMÍA AFECTA POSITIVAMENTE AL ESTADO NUTRICIONAL Y DISMINUYE LOS DÍAS DE HOSPITALIZACIÓN EN PACIENTES CON ERRORES INNATOS DEL METABOLISMO.

INTRODUCTION: the nutrition management of patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) requires the permanent use of elemental medical formulas whose organoleptic characteristics sometimes impede oral acceptance. In addition, these patients may have gastrointestinal disorders and require constant use of drugs, that often complicate treatment adherence, thereby committing their nutritional status and disease control. Gastrostomy is an alternative to facilitate feeding and treatment, but its use is controversial. OBJECTIVE: to compare nutrition status and length of hospitalizations before and after gastrostomy surgery in a group of IEM patients. METHODS: retrospective analysis of anthropometric data, number of hospitalizations due to metabolic decompensation and length in pediatric patients with IEM before and after gastrostomy. RESULTS: 16 children were analyzed, 40% with propionate disorders, 25% with abnormal urea cycle and 35% other IEM. After gastrostomy, the number of eutrophic patients increased from 6-56%, and malnutrition decreased from 94 to 44%. After gastrostomy inpatient hospital days significantly decrease from 425 to 131 (p = 0.011), admission numbers pre-gastrostomy decreased from 33 to 17, however this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: in this sample, gastrostomy improved nutritional status in 56% of EIM patients and significantly reduced hospital days caused by metabolic decompensation.

Introducción: el tratamiento nutricional de los pacientes con errores innatos del metabolismo (EIM) implica el uso permanente de fórmulas modificadas en aminoácidos cuyas características organolépticas pueden dificultar su aceptación por vía oral. Estos pacientes pueden tener alteraciones gastrointestinales y requieren el uso constante de medicamentos, lo cual complica la adherencia al tratamiento, comprometiéndose con ello su estado nutricional y el control de la enfermedad. La gastrostomía es una alternativa para facilitar la alimentación y el tratamiento, pero existen controversias sobre su uso. Objetivo: comparar el estado nutricional y la duración de las hospitalizaciones antes y después de la realización de la gastrostomía en un grupo de pacientes con EIM. Métodos: análisis retrospectivo de datos antropométricos, número de internamientos por descompensación metabólica y su duración en pacientes pediátricos con EIM antes y después de la gastrostomía. Resultados: se analizaron 16 niños; 40% con defectos del propionato, 25% con alteraciones del ciclo de la urea y 35% con otros EIM. Después de la gastrostomía, la proporción de pacientes eutróficos aumentó del 6 al 56% y la desnutrición disminuyó del 94 al 44%. Después de la gastrostomía, la duración de los periodos hospitalarios disminuyó significativamente de 425 a 131 días (p = 0.011); el número de internamientos disminuyó de 33 antes de la intervención a 17, sin embargo, esta diferencia no tuvo significación estadística. Conclusión: en esta muestra, la gastrostomía mejoró el estado nutricional en 56% de los pacientes con EIM, y redujo significativamente los días de hospitalización por descompensación metabólica.