Pilot study of newborn screening for six lysosomal diseases in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Lysosomal diseases (LDs) are progressive life-threatening disorders that are usually asymptomatic at birth. Specific treatments are available for several LDs, and early intervention improves patient's outcomes. Thus, these diseases benefit from newborn screening (NBS). We have performed a pilot study for six LDs in Brazil by tandem mass spectrometry. METHODS: Dried blood spot (DBS) samples of unselected newborns were analyzed by the Neo-LSD™ kit (Perkin-Elmer) by MS/MS. Samples with low enzyme activity were submitted to the evaluation of specific biomarkers by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry as the second-tier, and were analyzed by a next-generation sequencing (NGS) multi-gene panel as the third-tier. All tests were performed in the same DBS sample. RESULTS: In 20,066 newborns analyzed, 15 samples showed activity of one enzyme below the cutoff. Two newborns had biochemical and molecular results compatible with Fabry disease, and five newborns had biochemical results and pathogenic variants or variants of unknown significance (VUS) in GAA. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the use of enzyme assay as the first-tier test gives an acceptably low number of positive results that requires second/third tier testing. The possibility to run all tests in a DBS sample makes this protocol applicable to large-scale NBS programs.

Quantification of lysosphingomyelin and lysosphingomyelin-509 for the screening of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) is a lysosomal disorder caused by deficiency of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) leading to the accumulation of sphingomyelin (SM) in a variety of cell types. Lysosphingomyelin (LysoSM) is the de-acetylated form of SM and it has been shown as a biomarker for ASMD in tissues, plasma, and dried blood spots (DBS) and lysosphingomyelin-509 (LysoSM509) is the carboxylated analogue of LysoSM. High levels of Lysosphingomyelin 509 (LysoSM509) have also been shown in ASMD patients. In this study, we report the utility of the quantification of LysoSM and LysoSM509 in DBS of patients from Latin America with ASMD by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). RESULTS: DBS samples from 14 ASMD patients were compared with 15 controls, and 44 general newborns. All patients had their diagnosis confirmed by the quantification of ASM and the measurement of the activity of chitotriosidase. All patients had significantly higher levels of lysoSM and lysoSM509 compared to controls and general newborns. CONCLUSIONS: The quantification of lysosphingolipids in DBS is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of ASMD patients and lysoSM can be useful in the differential diagnosis with NPC. This method is also valuable in the ASMD newborn screening process.

Newborn screening for Pompe disease in Italy: Long-term results and future challenges.

Pompe disease (PD) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder caused by a lysosomal acid α-glucosidase (GAA) deficiency. Enzymatic replacement therapy is available, but early diagnosis by newborn screening (NBS) is essential for early treatment and better outcomes, especially with more severe forms. We present results from 7 years of NBS for PD and the management of infantile-onset (IOPD) and late-onset (LOPD) patients, during which we sought candidate predictive parameters of phenotype severity at baseline and during follow-up. We used a tandem mass spectrometry assay for α-glucosidase activity to screen 206,741 newborns and identified 39 positive neonates (0.019%). Eleven had two pathogenic variants of the GAA gene (3 IOPD, 8 LOPD); six carried variants of uncertain significance (VUS). IOPD patients were treated promptly and had good outcomes. LOPD and infants with VUS were followed; all were asymptomatic at the last visit (mean age 3.4 years, range 0.5-5.5). Urinary glucose tetrasaccharide was a useful and biomarker for rapidly differentiating IOPD from LOPD and monitoring response to therapy during follow-up. Our study, the largest reported to date in Europe, presents data from longstanding NBS for PD, revealing an incidence in North East Italy of 1/18,795 (IOPD 1/68,914; LOPD 1/25,843), and the absence of mortality in IOPD treated from birth. In LOPD, rigorous long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate the best time to start therapy. The high pseudodeficiency frequency, ethical issues with early LOPD diagnosis, and difficulty predicting phenotypes based on biochemical parameters and genotypes, especially in LOPD, need further study.

Experience of the NPC Brazil Network with a Comprehensive Program for the Screening and Diagnosis of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C.

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a lysosomal disorder caused by impaired cholesterol metabolism. Levels of lysosphingomyelin 509 (LysoSM509) have been shown elevated in dried blood spots (DBS) of NPC and acid sphingomyelinase deficiency patients. In this study, we report our experience using a two-tier approach (1st tier is the quantification of lysoSM509 by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry followed by the 2nd tier with next-generation sequencing of the NPC1 and NPC2 genes). DBS samples from 450 suspected patients were received by the NPC Brazil network. Of these, 33 samples had elevated levels of lysoSM509, and in 25 of them, variants classified as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of unknown significance were identified in the NPC1 or NPC2 genes by next-generation sequencing. The quantification of lysoSM509 in DBS as a first-tier test for the diagnosis of NPC followed by molecular analysis of the NPC1 and NPC2 genes almost doubled the detection rate when compared to the performance of chitotriosidase activity as a first-tier biomarker, and it could likely be increased with the addition of a third tier with MLPA of the two genes involved. This strategy seems suitable for the neonatal screening (NBS) of NPC if this disease is eventually adopted by NBS programs.

Newborn Screening for Fabry Disease in Northeastern Italy: Results of Five Years of Experience.

Fabry disease (FD) is a progressive multisystemic lysosomal storage disease. Early diagnosis by newborn screening (NBS) may allow for timely treatment, thus preventing future irreversible organ damage. We present the results of 5.5 years of NBS for FD by α-galactosidase A activity and globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3) assays in dried blood spot through a multiplexed MS/MS assay. Furthermore, we report our experience with long-term follow-up of positive subjects. We screened more than 170,000 newborns and 22 males were confirmed to have a GLA gene variant, with an incidence of 1:7879 newborns. All patients were diagnosed with a variant previously associated with the later-onset phenotype of FD or carried an unclassified variant (four patients) or the likely benign p.Ala143Thr variant. All were asymptomatic at the last visit. Although lyso-Gb3 is not considered a reliable second tier test for newborn screening, it can simplify the screening algorithm when its levels are elevated at birth. After birth, plasma lyso-Gb3 is a useful marker for non-invasive monitoring of all positive patients. Our study is the largest reported to date in Europe, and presents data from long-term NBS for FD that reveals the current incidence of FD in northeastern Italy. Our follow-up data describe the early disease course and the trend of plasma lyso-Gb3 during early childhood.

Detection of 3-O-methyldopa in dried blood spots for neonatal diagnosis of aromatic L-amino-acid decarboxylase deficiency: The northeastern Italian experience.

OBJECTIVE: Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare inherited autosomal recessive disorder of biogenic amine metabolism. Diagnosis requires analysis of neurotransmitter metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid, AADC enzyme activity analysis, or molecular analysis of the DDC gene. 3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD) is a key screening biomarker for AADC deficiency. METHODS: We describe a rapid method for 3-OMD determination in dried blood spots (DBS) using flow-injection analysis tandem mass spectrometry with NeoBase™ 2 reagents and 13C6-tyrosine as an internal standard, which are routinely used in high-throughput newborn screening. We assessed variability using quality control samples over a range of 3-OMD concentrations. RESULTS: Within-day and between-day precision determined with quality control samples demonstrated coefficients of variation <15%. 3-OMD concentrations in 1000 healthy newborns revealed a mean of 1.33 µmol/L (SD ± 0.56, range 0.61-3.05 µmol/L), 100 non-AADC control subjects (age 7 days - 1 year) showed a mean of 1.19 µmol/L (SD ± 0.35-2.00 µmol/L), and 81 patients receiving oral L-Dopa had a mean 3-OMD concentration of 14.90 µmol/L (SD ± 14.18, range 0.4-80.3 µmol/L). A patient with confirmed AADC was retrospectively analyzed and correctly identified (3-OMD 10.51 µmol/L). In April 2020, we started a pilot project for identifying AADC deficiency in DBSs routinely submitted to the expanded newborn screening program. 3-OMD concentrations were measured in 21,867 samples; no patients with AADC deficiency were identified. One newborn had a high 3-OMD concentration due to maternal L-Dopa treatment. DISCUSSION: We demonstrated a rapid new method to identify AADC deficiency using reagents and equipment already widely used in newborn screening programs. Although our study is limited, introduction of our method in expanded neonatal screening is feasible and could facilitate deployment of screening, allowing for early diagnosis that is important for effective treatment.

Report of Five Years of Experience in Neonatal Screening for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I and Review of the Literature.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a progressive lysosomal storage disease, with neurological and visceral involvement, in which early diagnosis through newborn screening (NBS) and early treatment can improve outcomes. We present our first 5 years of experience with laboratory and clinical management of NBS for MPS I. Since 2015, we have screened 160,011 newborns by measuring α-L-iduronidase (IDUA) activity and, since 2019, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in dried blood spot (DBS) as a second-tier test. Positive screening patients were referred to our clinic for confirmatory clinical and molecular testing. We found two patients affected by MPS I (incidence of 1:80,005). Before the introduction of second-tier testing, we found a high rate of false-positives due to pseudodeficiency. With GAG analysis in DBS as a second-tier test, no false-positive newborns were referred to our clinic. The confirmed patients were early treated with enzyme replacement therapy and bone-marrow transplantation. For both, the clinical outcome of the disease is in the normal range. Our experience confirms that NBS for MPS I is feasible and effective, along with the need to include GAG assay as a second-tier test. Follow-up of the two positive cases identified confirms the importance of early diagnosis through NBS and early treatment to improve the outcome of these patients.

Neonatal Screening for MPS Disorders in Latin America: A Survey of Pilot Initiatives.

Newborn screening enables the diagnosis of treatable disorders at the early stages, and because of its countless benefits, conditions have been continuously added to screening panels, allowing early intervention, aiming for the prevention of irreversible manifestations and even premature death. Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are lysosomal storage disorders than can benefit from an early diagnosis, and thus are being recommended for newborn screening. They are multisystemic progressive disorders, with treatment options already available for several MPS types. MPS I was the first MPS disorder enrolled in the newborn screening (NBS) panel in the USA and a few other countries, and other MPS types are expected to be added. Very few studies about NBS for MPS in Latin America have been published so far. In this review, we report the results of pilot studies performed in Mexico and Brazil using different methodologies: tandem mass spectrometry, molecular analysis, digital microfluidics, and fluorimetry. These experiences are important to report and discuss, as we expect to have several MPS types added to NBS panels shortly. This addition will enable timely diagnosis of MPS, avoiding the long diagnostic odyssey that is part of the current natural history of this group of diseases, and leading to a better outcome for the affected patients.

The combined use of enzyme activity and metabolite assays as a strategy for newborn screening of mucopolysaccharidosis type I.

Objectives Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) was added to our expanded screening panel in 2015. Since then, 127,869 newborns were screened by measuring α-L-iduronidase (IDUA) enzyme activity with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). High false positives due to frequent pseudodeficiency alleles prompted us to develop a second-tier test to quantify glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels in dried blood spot (DBS). Methods Heparan-sulfate (HS) and dermatan-sulfate (DS) were measured with LC-MS/MS after methanolysis. DBSs were incubated with methanolic-HCl 3 N at 65 °C for 45 min. Chromatographic separation used an amide column with a gradient of acetonitrile and water with 10 mM ammonium acetate in a 9-min run. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, lower limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy and precision. Results Intra- and inter-day coefficients of variation were <15% for both metabolites. Reference values in 40 healthy newborns were: HS mean 1.0 mg/L, 0-3.2; DS mean 1.5 mg/L, 0.5-2.7). The two confirmed newborn MPS I patients had elevated HS (4.9-10.4 mg/L, n.v. <3.2) and DS (7.4-8.8 mg/L, n.v. <2.7). Since its introduction in February 2019, the second-tier test reduced the recall rate from 0.046% to 0.006%. Among 127,869 specimens screened, the incidence was 1:63,935 live births. Both patients started enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) within 15 days of birth and one of them received allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at ht age of 6 months. Conclusions GAGs in DBS increased the specificity of newborn screening for MPS I by reducing false-positives due to heterozygosity or pseudodeficiency. Early diagnosis and therapeutical approach has improved the outcome of our patients with MPS I.

Large Neutral Amino Acid Therapy Increases Tyrosine Levels in Adult Patients with Phenylketonuria: A Long-Term Study.

The standard treatment for phenylketonuria (PKU) is a lifelong low-phenylalanine (Phe) diet, supplemented with Phe-free protein substitutes; however, adult patients often show poor adherence to therapy. Alternative treatment options include the use of large neutral amino acids (LNAA). The aim of this study was to determine the Phe, tyrosine (Tyr), and Phe/Tyr ratio in a cohort of sub-optimally controlled adult patients with classical PKU treated with a new LNAA formulation. Twelve patients received a Phe-restricted diet plus a slow-release LNAA product taken three times per day, at a dose of 1 g/kg body weight (mean 0.8 ± 0.24 g/kg/day), over a 12-month period. The product is in a microgranulated formulation, which incorporates all amino acids and uses sodium alginate as a hydrophilic carrier to prolong its release. This LNAA formulation provides up to 80% of the total protein requirement, with the rest of the protein supplied by natural food. Patients had fortnightly measurements of Phe and Tyr levels over a 12-month period after the introduction of LNAA. All patients completed the 12-month treatment period. Overall, adherence to the new LNAA tablets was very good compared with a previous amino acid mixture, for which taste was a major complaint by patients. Phe levels remained unchanged (p = 0.0522), and Tyr levels increased (p = 0.0195). Consequently, the Phe/Tyr ratio decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the majority of patients treated. In conclusion, LNAA treatment increases Tyr levels in sub-optimally controlled adult PKU patients, while offering the potential to improve their adherence to treatment.

Correction to: Newborn screening in mucopolysaccharidoses.

The original article contains an unintended omission of a statement of competing interests. As such, the authors would like to declare the following complete statement of competing interests.

Plasma and dried blood spot lysosphingolipids for the diagnosis of different sphingolipidoses: a comparative study.

Background Lysosphingolipids, the N-deacylated forms of sphingolipids, have been identified as potential biomarkers of several sphingolipidoses, such as Gaucher, Fabry, Krabbe and Niemann-Pick diseases and in GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses. To date, different methods have been developed to measure various lysosphingolipids (LysoSLs) in plasma. Here, we present a novel liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay for a simultaneous quantification of LysoSLs (HexSph, LysoGb3, LysoGM1, LysoGM2, LysoSM and LysoSM509) in dried blood spot (DBS). This LC-MS/MS method was used to compare the levels of LysoSLs in DBS and plasma in both affected patients and healthy controls. Methods Lysosphingolipids were extracted from a 3.2 mm diameter DBS with a mixture of methanol:acetonitrile:water (80:15:5, v/v) containing internal stable isotope standards. Chromatographic separation was performed using a C18 column with a gradient of water and acetonitrile both with 0.1% formic acid in a total run time of 4 min. The compounds were detected in the positive ion mode electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS/MS by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Results The method was validated on DBS to demonstrate specificity, linearity, lowest limit of quantification, accuracy and precision. The reference ranges were determined in pediatric and adult populations. The elevated levels of LysoSLs were identified in Gaucher disease (HexSph), Fabry disease (LysoGb3), prosaposin deficiency (HexSph and LysoGb3) and Niemann-Pick disease types A/B and C (LysoSM and LysoSM509). The correlation in the levels between DBS and plasma was excellent for LysoGb3 and HexSph but poor for LysoSM and LysoSM509. Conclusions Despite the fact that plasma LysoSLs determination remains the gold standard, our LC-MS/MS method allows a rapid and reliable quantification of lysosphingolipids in DBS. The method is a useful tool for the diagnosis of different sphingolipidoses except for Niemann-Pick type C.

Implementation of Second-Tier Tests in Newborn Screening for Lysosomal Disorders in North Eastern Italy.

The increasing availability of treatments and the importance of early intervention have stimulated interest in newborn screening for lysosomal storage diseases. Since 2015, 112,446 newborns in North Eastern Italy have been screened for four lysosomal disorders-mucopolysaccharidosis type I and Pompe, Fabry and Gaucher diseases-using a multiplexed tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) assay system. We recalled 138 neonates (0.12%) for collection of a second dried blood spot. Low activity was confirmed in 62 (0.06%), who underwent confirmatory testing. Twenty-five neonates (0.02%) were true positive: eight with Pompe disease; seven with Gaucher disease; eight with Fabry disease; and two with Mucopolysaccharidosis type I. The combined incidence of the four disorders was 1 in 4497 births. Except for Pompe disease, a second-tier test was implemented. We conclude that newborn screening for multiple lysosomal storage diseases combined with a second-tier test can largely eliminate false-positives and achieve rapid diagnosis.

Mutations in the GLA Gene and LysoGb3: Is It Really Anderson-Fabry Disease?

Anderson-Fabry disease (FD) is a rare, progressive, multisystem storage disorder caused by the partial or total deficit of the lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A). It is an X-linked, lysosomal enzymopathy due to mutations in the galactosidase alpha gene (GLA), encoding the α-Gal A. To date, more than 900 mutations in this gene have been described. In our laboratories, the study of genetic and enzymatic alterations related to FD was performed in about 17,000 subjects with a symptomatology referable to this disorder. The accumulation of globotriaosylsphingosine (LysoGb3) was determined in blood of positives. Exonic mutations in the GLA gene were detected in 471 patients (207 Probands and 264 relatives): 71.6% of mutations were associated with the classic phenotype, 19.8% were associated with the late-onset phenotype, and 8.6% of genetic variants were of unknown significance (GVUS). The accumulation of LysoGb3 was found in all male patients with a mutation responsible for classic or late-onset FD. LysoGb3 levels were consistent with the type of mutations and the symptomatology of patients. α-Gal A activity in these patients is absent or dramatically reduced. In recent years, confusion about the pathogenicity of some mutations led to an association between non-causative mutations and FD. Our study shows that the identification of FD patients is possible by associating clinical history, GLA gene analysis, α-Gal A assay, and blood accumulation of LysoGB3. In our experience, LysoGB3 can be considered a reliable marker, which is very useful to confirm the diagnosis of Fabry disease.

Newborn screening in mucopolysaccharidoses.

Newborn screening (NBS) methods and therapeutic options have become increasingly available for mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), and there is a clear evidence that early intervention significantly improves the outcome. It is recommended that mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is included in the US newborn screening panel, and this is currently underway in some NBS programs in the world. The key factors in recommending MPS I for inclusion in NBS are the strongly improved efficacy of early-onset therapy and the improved performance of screening tests. Two studies on MPS I screening have been conducted in Italy. In the Tuscany-Umbria pilot NBS, eight infants were confirmed positive, and alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA) gene molecular analysis showed that seven had either homozygosity or compound heterozygosity for pseudodeficiency alleles. p.Ala79Thr and p.His82Gln changes were demonstrated in four and three infants, respectively, six of which were of African origin. Only one infant had transitory elevation of urine glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) (by quantitative analysis) and she is in follow-up at the time of writing. In the North East Italy experience, there was one affected newborn for 66,491 screened. In this patient treatment started at 1 month of age. In the North East Italy experience the incidence of pseudodeficiency was very high (1:6044), with a high incidence of pseudodeficiency from patients of African origin.A significant problem that is encountered in the follow-up of infants with abnormal NBS and variants of unknown significance (VUS) on molecular analysis results relates to those who cannot be positively identified as either affected or unaffected. Long-term follow-up of these infants, and of those detected with late-onset disorders, will be essential to document the true risks and benefits of NBS. The availability of treatments in MPS II, IVA, VI, and VII with a better clinical outcome when started early in life, and the availability of a combined multiple assay for MPS, may be a prerequisite for new pilot NBS studies in the near future.

N-Acetylglutamate Synthase Deficiency Due to a Recurrent Sequence Variant in the N-acetylglutamate Synthase Enhancer Region.

N-acetylglutamate synthase deficiency (NAGSD, MIM #237310) is an autosomal recessive disorder of the urea cycle that results from absent or decreased production of N-acetylglutamate (NAG) due to either decreased NAGS gene expression or defective NAGS enzyme. NAG is essential for the activity of carbamylphosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1), the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the urea cycle. NAGSD is the only urea cycle disorder that can be treated with a single drug, N-carbamylglutamate (NCG), which can activate CPS1 and completely restore ureagenesis in patients with NAGSD. We describe a novel sequence variant NM_153006.2:c.-3026C > T in the NAGS enhancer that was found in three patients from two families with NAGSD; two patients had hyperammonemia that resolved upon treatment with NCG, while the third patient increased dietary protein intake after initiation of NCG therapy. Two patients were homozygous for the variant while the third patient had the c.-3026C > T variant and a partial uniparental disomy that encompassed the NAGS gene on chromosome 17. The c.-3026C > T sequence variant affects a base pair that is highly conserved in vertebrates; the variant is predicted to be deleterious by several bioinformatics tools. Functional assays in cultured HepG2 cells demonstrated that the c.-3026C > T substitution could result in reduced expression of the NAGS gene. These findings underscore the importance of analyzing NAGS gene regulatory regions when looking for molecular causes of NAGSD.

Living with phenylketonuria in adulthood: The PKU ATTITUDE study.

Dietary treatment is the cornerstone of therapy for phenylketonuria (PKU), but adherence to low- phenylalanine diet progressively decreases after adolescence. We designed a survey to characterize the dietary habits of Italian adult PKU patients and to identify psychological factors influencing disease perception and adherence to diet. Participants to the survey (n = 111; response rate 94%) were asked to complete a structured questionnaire. Patients appeared to have an altered perception and awareness of the disease. About 40% of them did not consider PKU a disease and, despite declaring regular monitoring of phenylalanine levels (85%), nearly half of them reported a high plasma value over the last 6 months (>600 µmol/L, 48%) or were unable to specify it (31%). Adherence to PKU diet was unsatisfactory, with increased consumption of natural protein sources and reduced daily use of amino-acid supplements (<4-5 times/day in 82% patients). In addition to the intrinsic characteristics of AA formula (palatability, ease of use), the most important factor influencing their consumption was the increased social pressure associated with their use (55%). Plasma phenylalanine periodical measurements (61%) and examinations at metabolic centers (49%) were considered relevant for compliance to diet. In Italian adult PKU patients dietary management was found to be inadequate, likely due to inappropriate perception and knowledge of the disease, and lack of awareness of the negative impact of poor metabolic control in adult life. Clinicians should consider implementing more intense and tailored educational measures, as well as structured transitional care processes.

Newborn screening for lysosomal storage disorders by tandem mass spectrometry in North East Italy.

BACKGROUND: Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are inborn errors of metabolism resulting from 50 different inherited disorders. The increasing availability of treatments and the importance of early intervention have stimulated newborn screening (NBS) to diagnose LSDs and permit early intervention to prevent irreversible impairment or severe disability. We present our experience screening newborns in North East Italy to identify neonates with Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) and Pompe, Fabry, and Gaucher diseases. METHODS: Activities of acid ß-glucocerebrosidase (ABG; Gaucher), acid α-glucosidase (GAA; Pompe), acid α-galactosidase (GLA; Fabry), and acid α-L-iduronidase (IDUA; MPS-I) in dried blood spots (DBS) from all newborns during a 17-month period were determined by multiplexed tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using the NeoLSD® assay system. Enzymatic activity cutoff values were determined from 3500 anonymous newborn DBS. In the screening study, samples were retested if the value was below cutoff and a second spot was requested, with referral for confirmatory testing and medical evaluation if a low value was obtained. RESULTS: From September 2015 to January 2017, 44,411 newborns were screened for the four LSDs. We recalled 40 neonates (0.09%) for collection of a second DBS. Low activity was confirmed in 20, who had confirmatory testing. Ten of 20 had pathogenic mutations: two Pompe, two Gaucher, five Fabry, and one MPS-I. The incidences of Pompe and Gaucher diseases were similar (1/22,205), with Fabry disease the most frequent (1/8882) and MPS-I the rarest (1/44411). The combined incidence of the four disorders was 1/4411 births. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneously determining multiple enzyme activities by MS/MS, with a focus on specific biochemical markers, successfully detected newborns with LSDs. The high incidence of these disorders supports this screening program.

Diagnosis of sphingolipidoses: a new simultaneous measurement of lysosphingolipids by LC-MS/MS.

BACKGROUND: Lysosphingolipids (LysoSLs) are derivatives of sphingolipids which have lost the amide-linked acyl chain. More recently, LysoSLs have been identified as storage compounds in several sphingolipidoses, including Gaucher, Fabry and Niemann-Pick diseases. To date, different methods have been developed to measure each individual lysosphingolipid in plasma. This report describes a rapid liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay for simultaneous quantification of several LysoSLs in plasma. METHODS: We analyzed the following compounds: hexosylsphingosine (HexSph), globotriaosylsphingosine (LysoGb3), lysosphingomyelin (LysoSM) and lysosphingomyelin-509 (LysoSM-509). The sample preparation requires only 100 µL of plasma and consists of an extraction with a mixture of MeOH/acetone/H2O (45:45:10, v/v). RESULTS: The method validation showed high sensitivity, an excellent accuracy and precision. Reference ranges were determined in healthy adult and pediatric population. The results demonstrate that the LC-MS/MS method can quantify different LysoSLs and can be used to identify patients with Fabry (LysoGb3), Gaucher and Krabbe (HexSph) diseases, prosaposine deficiency (LysoGb3 and HexSph), and Niemann-Pick disease types A/B and C (LysoSM and LysoSM-509). CONCLUSIONS: This LC-MS/MS method allows a rapid and simultaneous quantification of LysoSLs and is useful as a biochemical diagnostic tool for sphingolipidoses.

Clinical experience with N-carbamylglutamate in a single-centre cohort of patients with propionic and methylmalonic aciduria.

BACKGROUND: The effect of long-term N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) treatment on the rate and severity of decompensations due to propionic aciduria (PA) and methylmalonic aciduria (MMA) is unknown. This paper presents clinical experience from a single-centre cohort of patients with PA and MMA who received continuous long-term treatment with NCG. METHODS: The effect of oral NCG treatment (initial dose: 50 mg/kg/day) was investigated in patients with PA or MMA who were experiencing frequent progressive episodes of metabolic decompensation, who had pathological levels of ammonia, and who were referred to the Division of Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital of Padova between August 2014 and December 2015. Clinical and biochemical data, including the number of metabolic decompensations, lactic acid, uric acid and plasma ammonia levels, protein intake and body weight, were collected before and after the initiation of NCG treatment. RESULTS: Eight patients with PA (n = 4) and MMA (n = 4) aged 2-20 years were treated with NCG (50 mg/kg/day) for 7-16 months. Metabolic decompensation episodes decreased in number and severity, with three of the patients having no episodes (pre-treatment: 24 episodes; post-treatment: 9 episodes). After NCG treatment, all episodes were treated at home and none required hospitalisation, lactic acid values were 1.3-2.1 mmol/L and uric acid values were 0.21-0.36 mmol/L. Significant reductions in blood ammonia levels after NCG initiation were observed in five patients, whereas levels were reduced or maintained in the normal range in the remainder. Over the treatment period, patients had an increase in natural protein intake of 20-50% and gained 0-6.5 kg in bodyweight. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that, in addition to short-term benefits for the acute treatment of hyperammonaemia, NCG may be effective and well tolerated as a long-term treatment in patients with severe PA and MMA, and that further prospective studies are warranted.