Glycogen Storage Disease: Expert Opinion on Clinical Diagnosis Revisited after Molecular Testing.

This study sought to analyze whether an accurate diagnosis of the type and subtype of hepatic Glycogen Storage Diseases (GSDs) could be performed based on general clinical and biochemical aspects via comparing the proposed diagnostic hypotheses with the molecular results. Twelve physicians with experience in hepatic GSDs reviewed 45 real cases comprising a standardized summary of clinical and laboratory data. There was no relation between the hit rate and the time since graduation, the time of experience in GSD, and the number of patients treated during their careers. The average assertiveness was 47%, with GSD Ia and Ib being the best-identified types, while no expert correctly identified GSD IXc. Underage investigation for later manifestations, incomplete clinical description, and complementary analysis, the overvaluation of a specific clinical finding ("false positive") or the discarding of the diagnosis in the absence of it ("false negative"), as well as the lack of knowledge of the rarest GSD types, may have impacted the accuracy of the assessment. This study emphasized that characteristics considered as determinants in identifying the specific types or subtypes of GSD are not exclusive, thus becoming factors that may have induced the evaluators to misdiagnose.

Cytokine profiling in patients with hepatic glycogen storage disease: Are there clues for unsolved aspects?

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic Glycogen Storage Diseases (GSD) are rare genetic disorders in which the gluconeogenesis pathway is impaired. Cytokines control virtually every aspect of physiology and may help to elucidate some unsolved questions about phenotypes presented by GSD patients. METHODS: This was an exploratory study in which 27 GSD patients on treatment (Ia = 16, Ib = 06, III = 02, IXα = 03) and 24 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects had plasma samples tested for a panel of 20 cytokines (G-CSF,GM-CSF, IL-1α,IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, GRO, IP-10/CXCL10, MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1α/CCL3, MIP-1ß/CCL4, MDC/CCL22, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TNF-ß, VEGF) through a multiplex kit and analyzed in comparison to controls and among patients, regarding to clinical features as anemia, hepatic adenocarcinoma and triglyceride levels. RESULTS: Patients (GSD-Ia/III/IX) presented reduced levels of IL-4 (p = 0.040), MIP-1α/CCL3 (p = 0.003), MDC/CCL22 (p < 0.001), TNF-ß (p = 0.045) and VEGF (p = 0.043) compared to controls. When different types of GSD were compared, G-CSF was higher in GSD-Ib than -Ia (p < 0.001) and than -III/IX (p = 0.033) patients; IL-10 was higher in GSD-Ib than in GSD-Ia patients (p = 0.019); and GSD-III/IX patients had increased levels of IP-10/CXCL10 than GSD-Ib patients (p = 0.019). When GSD-I patients were gathered into the same group and compared with GSD-III/IX patients, IP10/CXCL10 and MCP-1 were higher in the latter group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.013, respectively). GSD-I patients with anemia presented higher levels of IL-4 and MIP-1α in comparison with patients who had not. Triglyceride level was correlated with neutrophil count and MDC levels on GSD-Ia patients without HCA. CONCLUSION: Altogether, altered levels of cytokines in GSD-I patients reflect an imbalance in immunoregulation process. This study also indicates that neutrophils and some cytokines are affected by triglyceride levels, and future studies on the theme should consider this variable.

Body composition in patients with hepatic glycogen storage diseases.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the body composition of hepatic glycogen storage disorders (GSDs) through dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. METHODS: This was an exploratory, observational, cross-sectional study. Twenty-four patients with GSD (type Ia: n = 13, Ib: n = 5, III: n = 2, and IX-α/ß/γ: n = 4; female sex: n = 13; age <8 y: n = 3, 8-19 y: n = 14, and >19 y: n = 7) were included. Three-day dietary records were collected in the week preceding dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Body composition findings were correlated with clinical parameters, uncooked cornstarch (UCCS) regimen, dietary intake, and markers of treatment adherence. RESULTS: An elevated fat mass (FM) index was found in 16 of 21 patients (age 8-19 y: n = 10 and >19 y: n = 6; GSD type Ia: n = 12, Ib: n = 2, III: n = 1, and IX-γ: n = 1). A lean mass (LM) index evaluation showed no LM deficits in relation to corresponding reference populations. Relative skeletal muscle index values were decreased in 2 of 7 adult patients (type Ib: n = 1 and IX-α: n = 1). UCCS (g/d) correlated positively with the FM index (rs = 0.7; P ≤ 0.01). In contrast, relative UCCS intake (g/kg body weight) was negatively associated with LM/kg (rs = -0.8; P ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a high frequency of elevated FM in patients with hepatic GSDs. We also suggest that treatment with UCCS is associated with excess weight in these patients. Additionally, the treatment strategy can impair protein intake, and lead to a decrease in LM.

Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Hepatic Glycogen Storage Diseases.

The association between bone mineral density (BMD) and hepatic glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) is still unclear. To evaluate the BMD of patients with GSD I, IIIa and IXα, a cross-sectional study was performed, including 23 patients (GSD Ia = 13, Ib = 5, IIIa = 2 and IXα = 3; median age = 11.9 years; IQ = 10.9-20.1) who underwent a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Osteocalcin (OC, n = 18), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP, n = 19), collagen type 1 C-terminal telopeptide (CTX, n = 18) and 25-OH Vitamin D (n = 23) were also measured. The participants completed a 3-day food diary (n = 20). Low BMD was defined as a Z-score ≤ -2.0. All participants were receiving uncooked cornstarch (median dosage = 6.3 g/kg/day) at inclusion, and 11 (47.8%) presented good metabolic control. Three (13%) patients (GSD Ia = 1, with poor metabolic control; IIIa = 2, both with high CPK levels) had a BMD ≤ -2.0. CTX, OC and P1NP correlated negatively with body weight and age. 25-OH Vitamin D concentration was decreased in seven (30.4%) patients. Our data suggest that patients with hepatic GSDs may have low BMD, especially in the presence of muscular involvement and poor metabolic control. Systematic nutritional monitoring of these patients is essential.

A triple-blinded crossover study to evaluate the short-term safety of sweet manioc starch for the treatment of glycogen storage disease type Ia.

BACKGROUND: Glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD Ia) is characterized by severe fasting hypoglycemia. The clinical management includes the administration of uncooked cornstarch (UCCS). Although such a diet approach is effective in achieving euglycemia, its impact on the quality of life of patients should be considered. In vitro analyses suggest a longer release of glucose when using sweet manioc starch (SMS). METHODS: We compared the efficacy and safety of the administration of SMS and UCCS during a short-fasting challenge in patients with GSD Ia in a randomized, triple-blind, phase I/II, cross-over study. GSD Ia patients aged ≥ 16 years and treated with UCCS were enrolled. Participants were hospitalized for two consecutive nights, receiving UCCS or SMS in each night. After the administration of the starches, glucose, lactate and insulin levels were measured in 1-h interval throughout the hospitalization period. The procedures were interrupted after 10 h of fasting or in a hypoglycemic episode (< 3.88 mmol/L). RESULTS: Eleven individuals (mean age: 21.6 ± 4.3 years; all presenting body mass index > 25 kg/m2) participated in the study. The average fasting period was 8.2 ± 2.0 h for SMS and 7.7 ± 2.3 h for UCCS (p = 0.04). SMS maintained euglycemia for a greater period over UCCS. Increased lactate concentrations were detected even in absence of hypoglycemia, not being influenced by the different starches investigated (p = 0.17). No significant difference was found in total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides and uric acid levels in both arms. None of the patients showed severe adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: SMS appears to be non-inferior to UCCS in the maintenance of euglycemia, thus emerging as a promising alternative to the treatment of GSD Ia.

Mucopolysaccharidosis VII in Brazil: natural history and clinical findings.

BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII), also known as Sly syndrome, caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme ß-glucuronidase, is an ultra-rare disorder with scarce epidemiological data and few publications about natural history and clinical spectrum. METHODS: We conducted a case series report which included retrospective data from all MPS VII patients diagnosed through the "MPS Brazil Network" who were known to be alive in 2020 in Brazil (N = 13). Clinical data were obtained from a review of the medical records and descriptive statistics and variables were summarized using counts and percentages of the total population. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were from the Northeast region of Brazil. Among the signs and symptoms that raised the clinical suspicion of MPS, coarse face was the most frequent; 58% of the patients had a history of non-immune hydrops fetalis. All the subjects presented short neck and trunk. The majority presented typical phenotypical signs of MPS disorders. They all presented neurodevelopmental delay and cognitive impairment. About half of this cohort had knees deformities. Dysostosis multiplex was identified in almost all patients and cardiomyopathy was less frequent than observed in other types of MPSs. The mean age at diagnosis was 5 years, ranging from 1 to 14 years. Almost all patients (12/13) were homozygous for the c.526C>T (p.Leu176Phe) mutation. A novel variant of the GUSB gene was found, the c.875T>C (p.Leu292Pro), in a compound heterozygous with the c.526C>T (p.Leu176Phe) variant. CONCLUSIONS: This case series is the biggest data collection of MPS VII patients alive in Latin America. The overall clinical picture of the MPS VII patients is very similar to other MPS disorders, including a spectrum of severity and delayed diagnosis.

Glycogen storage diseases: Twenty-seven new variants in a cohort of 125 patients.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are a group of rare genetic disorders in which glycogen cannot be metabolized to glucose in the liver because of enzyme deficiencies along the glycogenolytic pathway. GSDs are well-recognized diseases that can occur without the full spectrum, and with overlapping in symptoms. METHODS: We analyzed a cohort of 125 patients with suspected hepatic GSD through a next-generation sequencing (NGS) gene panel in Ion Torrent platform. New variants were analyzed by pathogenicity prediction tools. RESULTS: Twenty-seven new variants predicted as pathogenic were found between 63 variants identified. The most frequent GSD was type Ia (n = 53), followed by Ib (n = 23). The most frequent variants were p.Arg83Cys (39 alleles) and p.Gln347* (14 alleles) in G6PC gene, and p.Leu348Valfs (21 alleles) in SLC37A4 gene. CONCLUSIONS: The study presents the largest cohort ever analyzed in Brazilian patients with hepatic glycogenosis. We determined the clinical utility of NGS for diagnosis. The molecular diagnosis of hepatic GSDs enables the characterization of diseases with similar clinical symptoms, avoiding hepatic biopsy and having faster results.

Correction: Hepatic glycogen storage diseases are associated to microbial dysbiosis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214582.].

Evaluation of the frequency of non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease in adult patients with Gaucher disease type 1.

BACKGROUND: Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by deficiency of beta-glucocerebrosidase (GCase) due to biallelic variations in the GBA1 gene. Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative condition. The classic motor symptoms of PD may be preceded by many non-motor symptoms (NMS), which include hyposmia, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, constipation, cognitive impairment, and depression. Population studies have identified mutations in GBA1 as the main risk factor for idiopathic PD. The present study sought to evaluate the prevalence of NMS in a cohort of patients with GD type 1 from Southern Brazil. METHODOLOGY: This is an observational, cross-sectional study, with a convenience sampling strategy. Cognition was evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive assessment (MoCa), daytime sleepiness by the Epworth Scale, depression by the Beck Inventory, constipation by the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale, and REM sleep behavior disorder by the Single-Question Screen; hyposmia by the Sniffin' Sticks. Motor symptoms were assessed with part III of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. All patients were also genotyped for the GBA1 3'-UTR SNP (rs708606). RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (female = 13; on enzyme replacement therapy = 21, substrate reduction therapy = 2) with a mean age of 41.45 ± 15.3 years (range, 22-67) were included. Eight patients were found to be heterozygous for the 3'-UTR SNP (rs708606). Fourteen patients (8 over age 40 years) presented at least one NMS; daytime sleepiness was the most frequent (n = 10). Two patients (aged 63 and 64, respectively) also presented motor symptoms, probably drug-related. CONCLUSIONS: NMS were prevalent in this cohort. We highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary follow-up focusing on earlier diagnosis of PD, especially for patients with GD type 1 over the age of 40.

Hepatic glycogen storage diseases are associated to microbial dysbiosis.

INTRODUCTION: The gut microbiome has been related to several features present in Glycogen Storage Diseases (GSD) patients including obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver disease. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to investigate associations between GSD and the gut microbiota. METHODS: Twenty-four GSD patients on treatment with uncooked cornstarch (UCCS), and 16 healthy controls had their faecal microbiota evaluated through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Patients and controls were ≥3 years of age and not on antibiotics. Faecal pH, calprotectin, mean daily nutrient intake and current medications were recorded and correlated with gut microbiome. RESULTS: Patients' group presented higher intake of UCCS, higher prevalence of IBD (n = 04/24) and obesity/overweight (n = 18/24) compared to controls (n = 0 and 06/16, respectively). Both groups differed regarding diet (in patients, the calories' source was mainly the UCSS, and the intake of fat, calcium, sodium, and vitamins was lower than in controls), use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (patients = 11, controls = 0; p-value = 0.001) multivitamins (patients = 22, controls = 01; p-value = 0.001), and mean faecal pH (patients = 6.23; controls = 7.41; p = 0.001). The GSD microbiome was characterized by low diversity and distinct microbial structure. The operational taxonomic unit (OTU) abundance was significantly influenced by faecal pH (r = 0.77; p = 6.8e-09), total carbohydrate (r = -0.6; p = 4.8e-05) and sugar (r = 0.057; p = 0.00013) intakes. CONCLUSIONS: GSD patients presented intestinal dysbiosis, showing low faecal microbial diversity in comparison with healthy controls. Those findings might be due to the disease per se, and/or to the different diets, use of UCSS and of medicines, and obesity rate found in patients. Although the main driver of these differences is unknown, this study might help to understand how the nutritional management affects GSD patients.

Feeding Difficulties and Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder in Patients with Hepatic Glycogen Storage Diseases.

Hepatic glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are inborn errors of metabolism whose dietary treatment involves uncooked cornstarch administration and restriction of simple carbohydrate intake. The prevalence of feeding difficulties (FDs) and orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) in these patients is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the prevalence of FDs and OMDs in GSD. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, prospective study of 36 patients (19 males; median age, 12.0 years; range, 8.0-18.7 years) with confirmed diagnoses of GSD (type Ia = 22; Ib = 8; III = 2; IXa = 3; IXc = 1). All patients were being treated by medical geneticists and dietitians. Evaluation included a questionnaire for evaluation of feeding behavior, the orofacial myofunctional evaluation (AMIOFE), olfactory and taste performance (Sniffin' Sticks and Taste Strips tests), and facial anthropometry. RESULTS: Nine (25%) patients had decreased olfactory perception, and four (11%) had decreased taste perception for all flavours. Eight patients (22.2%) had decreased perception for sour taste. Twenty-six patients (72.2%) had FD, and 18 (50%) had OMD. OMD was significantly associated with FD, tube feeding, selective intake, preference for fluid and semisolid foods, and mealtime stress (p < 0.05). Thirteen patients (36.1%) exhibited mouth or oronasal breathing, which was significantly associated with selective intake (p = 0.011) and not eating together with the rest of the family (p = 0.041). Lower swallowing and chewing scores were associated with FD and with specific issues related to eating behavior (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of FDs and OMDs in patients with GSD. Eating behavior, decreased taste and smell perception, and orofacial myofunctional issues are associated with GSD.

Análise da densidade mineral óssea em pacientes com fenilcetonúria e sua correlação com parâmetros nutricionais / Bone mineral density assessment in patients with phenylketonuria and its correlation with nutritional parameters

Introdução: Redução da densidade mineral óssea (DMO) está associada à Fenilcetonúria (PKU), mas a causa desta associação não é completamente entendida. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a ingestão de nutrientes relacionados ao metabolismo ósseo (cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, potássio), e sua associação com a DMO em pacientes com PKU. Métodos: Estudo transversal, observacional. Foram incluídos 15 pacientes (PKU Clássica=8; Leve=7; mediana de idade=16 anos, IQ=15-20), todos em tratamento com dieta restrita em fenilalanina (Phe) e 13 em uso de fórmula metabólica. Foi realizado recordatório alimentar de 24 horas de um dia e demais dados (histórico de fraturas, parâmetros antropométricos, DMO e níveis plasmáticos de Phe, Tyr, cálcio) foram obtidos por revisão de prontuário. Resultados: Nenhum paciente apresentou histórico de fraturas e seis realizavam suplementação de cálcio (alteração prévia da DMO=5; baixa ingestão=1). A mediana dos níveis de Phe foi 11,6 mg/dL (IQ=9,3-13,3). Em relação ao recordatório alimentar, dez indivíduos apresentaram inadequado consumo de carboidratos; 14, de lipídeos; 9, de cálcio; 11, de magnésio; 13, de fósforo; e todos de potássio. A mediana da DMO foi de 0,989 g/cm2 (IQ=0,903-1,069), sendo duas classificadas como reduzidas para idade, ambas de pacientes com PKU Leve que recebiam suplementação de cálcio. Não foi observada correlação entre níveis de Phe, DMO e demais variáveis analisadas. Conclusão: Redução da DMO não foi frequente na amostra, embora ingestão inadequada de cálcio assim o seja. Estudos adicionais são necessários para esclarecer o efeito da Phe e da ingestão dietética sobre o metabolismo ósseo na PKU. (AU)

Introduction: Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with phenylketonuria (PKU), but this association is not completely understood. This research aimed to evaluate intake of nutrients related to bone metabolism (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium) and its association with BMD in patients with PKU. Methods: In this cross-sectional, observational study, 15 patients with PKU (Classical=8, Mild=7; median age=16 years, IQ=15-20 years) were included, all of them on phenylalanine (Phe) restricted diet and 13 being supplemented with a metabolic formula. A 24-hour dietary recall was performed and remaining data (history of fractures, anthropometric parameters, BMD and plasma Phe, tyrosine and calcium levels) were obtained through medical chart review. Results: No patient had any fractures and six received calcium supplements, five due to previous change in BMD and one due to inadequate nutritional intake. Median Phe level was 11.6 mg/dL (IQ=9.3-13.3). In relation to dietary recall, all individuals had inadequate intake of some nutrient (carbohydrate=10; lipids=14; calcium=9; magnesium=11; phosphorus=13; potassium=15). The median BMD was 0.989 g/cm2 (IQ=0.903-1.069). Two cases were classified as low BMD for age, both in patients with mild PKU receiving calcium supplements. Conclusion: Reduced BMD was not common in this sample, although inadequate calcium intake was frequently reported. Additional studies are needed to clarify the effect of Phe and dietary intake on bone metabolism in patients with PKU.(AU)

Assessment of newborn screening in the public health system of a municipality in northern Rio Grande do Sul

Introduction: Newborn screening allows the screening of diseases that are still in the asymptomatic period and whose early diagnosis and treatment are associated with reduced infant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the public National Newborn Screening Program in the municipality of Carazinho, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. Methods: This was a population-based, retrospective, descriptive study. We collected and transcribed data from a database of the Carazinho municipal laboratory, which is affiliated with the referral center for newborn screening in RS. The records of all individuals undergoing newborn screening from 2005 to 2010 were reviewed, and information was collected on the program coverage, time elapsed between birth and screening (first collection), and test results. Results: The program had a coverage of 75.5%. One suspected case of phenylketonuria, three suspected cases of congenital hypothyroidism and no suspected cases of hemoglobinopathy were identified. In addition, there were 18 positive results for hemoglobin S heterozygosity, five for hemoglobin D heterozygosity, two for hemoglobin C heterozygosity, and one for a rare variant hemoglobin. When analyzing the newborn's age at the time of blood collection, it was observed that 63.1% were within the recommended age range. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the need for optimization of public newborn screening in the evaluated municipality. The strategies to be adopted should include education of the population and especially of managers and health professionals about the importance of newborn screening. (AU)

Nutritional Status and Body Composition in Patients With Hepatic Glycogen Storage Diseases Treated With Uncooked Cornstarch—A Controlled Study

Abstract Hepatic glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are genetic diseases associated with fasting hypoglycemia. Periodic intake of uncooked cornstarch is one of the treatment strategies available for those disorders. For reasons that are still not clear, patients with hepatic GSDs may be overweight. Aims: To assess nutritional status and body composition in patients with hepatic GSDs receiving uncooked cornstarch. Methods: The sample included 25 patients with hepatic GSD (type Ia = 14; Ib = 6; III = 3; IX? = 1; IX? = 1), with a median age of 11.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 9.0-17.5), matched by age and gender with 25 healthy controls (median age = 12.0 years, IQR = 10.0-17.5). Clinical, biochemical, and treatment-related variables were obtained from medical records. Nutritional status and body composition were prospectively evaluated by bioelectrical impedance. Results: Patients and controls did not differ with regard to age and gender. Height was significantly reduced in patients (median = 1.43 m, IQR = 1.25-1.54) in comparison to controls (median = 1.54 m, IQR = 1.42-1.61; P = .04). Body mass index for age z-score and fat mass percentage were higher in patients (median = 1.84, IQR = 0.55-3.06; and 27.5%, IQR = 22.6-32.0, respectively) than in controls (median = 0.86, IQR = ?0.55 to 1.82; P = .04 and 21.1%, IQR = 13.0-28.3; P = .01, respectively). When patients were stratified by type, those with GSD Ia had significantly higher adiposity (median fat mass = 28.7%, IQR = 25.3-32.9) than those with GSD III and GSD IX?/? (median fat mass = 20.9%, IQR = 14.9-22.6; P = .02). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that patients with hepatic GSD on treatment with cornstarch, especially those with GSD Ia, exhibit abnormalities in nutritional status and body composition, such as short stature and a trend toward overweight and obesity.

Analysis of body composition and nutritional status in Brazilian phenylketonuria patients.

BACKGROUND: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is characterized by phenylalanine (Phe) accumulation to toxic levels due to the low activity of phenylalanine-hydroxylase. PKU patients must follow a Phe-restricted diet, which may put them in risk of nutritional disturbances. Therefore, we aimed to characterize body composition parameters and nutritional status in Brazilian PKU patients also considering their metabolic control. METHODS: Twenty-seven treated PKU patients older than 5 years, and 27 age- and gender-matched controls, were analyzed for anthropometric features and body composition by bioelectrical impedance (BIA). Patients' metabolic control was assessed by historical Phe levels. RESULTS: There was no effect of PKU type, time of diagnosis, or metabolic control for any analyzed parameter. About 75% of patients and controls were eutrophic, according to their BMI values. There were no difference between groups regarding body composition and other BIA-derived parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian PKU patients do not show differences in body composition and nutritional status in comparison with controls, regardless metabolic control. Although similar to controls, PKU patients may be in risk of disturbed nutritional and metabolic markers as seen for the general population.

Maple syrup urine disease in Brazil: a panorama of the last two decades / Doença da urina de xarope de bordo no Brasil: um panorama das últimas duas décadas

OBJECTIVE: To characterize a sample of Brazilian patients with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) diagnosed between 1992 and 2011. METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients were identified through a national reference laboratory for the diagnosis of MSUD and through contact with other medical genetics services across Brazil. Data were collected by means of a chart review. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients from 75 families were enrolled in the study (median age, 3 years; interquartile range [IQR], 0.57-7). Median age at onset of symptoms was 10 days (IQR 5-30), whereas median age at diagnosis was 60 days (IQR 29-240, p = 0.001). Only three (3.6%) patients were diagnosed before the onset of clinical manifestations. A comparison between patients with (n = 12) and without (n = 71) an early diagnosis shows that early diagnosis is associated with the presence of positive family history and decreased prevalence of clinical manifestations at the time of diagnosis, but not with a better outcome. Overall, 98.8% of patients have some psychomotor or neurodevelopmental delay. CONCLUSION: In Brazil, patients with MSUD are usually diagnosed late and exhibit neurological involvement and poor survival even with early diagnosis. We suggest that specific public policies for diagnosis and treatment of MSUD should be developed and implemented in the country. .

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar uma amostra de pacientes brasileiros com a doença da urina de xarope de bordo (DXB) diagnosticados entre 1992 e 2011. MÉTODOS: Os pacientes foram identificados por meio de um laboratório de referência nacional para o diagnóstico de DXB e por meio do contato com outros serviços de genética médica no Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio de uma revisão de prontuários. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 83 pacientes de 75 famílias (idade média: três anos; intervalo interquartil (IQR): 0,57-7). A idade média no surgimento dos sintomas era de 10 dias (IQR: 5-30), ao passo que a idade média no diagnóstico era de 60 dias (IQR: 29-240; p = 0,001). Somente três (3,6%) pacientes foram diagnosticados antes do surgimento de manifestações clínicas. Uma comparação entre pacientes com (n = 12) e sem (n = 71) um diagnóstico precoce mostra que o diagnóstico precoce está associado à presença de histórico familiar positivo e à redução na prevalência de manifestações clínicas no momento do diagnóstico, porém sem melhor resultado. Em geral, 98,8% dos pacientes têm algum atraso no desenvolvimento psicomotor ou neurológico. CONCLUSÃO: No Brasil, os pacientes com DXB normalmente recebem um diagnóstico tardio e exibem um envolvimento neurológico e baixa sobrevivência, mesmo com um diagnóstico precoce. Sugerimos que políticas públicas específicas para o diagnóstico e tratamento da DXB sejam desenvolvidas e implementadas no país. .

Access to treatment for phenylketonuria by judicial means in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) includes the use of a metabolic formula which should be provided free of charge by the Unified Health System (SUS). This retrospective, observational study sought to characterize judicial channels to obtain PKU treatment in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. Lawsuits filed between 2001- 2010 and having as beneficiaries PKU patients requesting treatment for the disease were included. Of 20 lawsuits filed, corresponding to 16.8% of RS patients with PKU, 19 were retrieved for analysis. Of these, only two sought to obtain therapies other than metabolic formula. In all the other 17 cases, prior treatment requests had been granted by the State Department of Health. Defendants included the State (n = 19), the Union (n = 1), and municipalities (n = 4). In 18/19 cases, the courts ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. Violation of the right to health and discontinuation of State-provided treatment were the main reasons for judicial recourse. Unlike other genetic diseases, patients with PKU seek legal remedy to obtain a product already covered by the national pharmaceutical assistance policy, suggesting that management failures are a driving factor for judicialization in Brazil.