Evaluation of low serum vitamin B(12) in the non-anaemic pregnant patient

Low serum vitamin B(12) concentrations in pregnancy may not indicate true megaloblastic anaemia. In the present study we compared biochemical indices of vitamin B(12) deficiency (serum homocysteine and urine methylmalonic acid) in non-anaemic pregnant women with and without low serum vitamin B(12) concentrations. The groups were matched for age, parity and gestational age. No differences were found, and all values were within normal range. These results suggest that the measurement of low serum B(12) concentrations in pregnant women should be followed by analysis at the biochemical level before vitamin B(12) injections are started.     

Mevalonic acidemia: First case of Japan

Summary Mevalonic acidemia is a rare metabolic disorder due to mevalonate kinase deficiency which affects the biosynthesis of cholesterol and nonsterol isoprenes. We report the first case of Japan. The clinical course is characterized by intrauterine growth retardation, postnatal growth failure, intractable diarrhea, liver dysfunctions and death at three months of age. Dysmorphic features including triangular face, protrusion of forehead, hypertelorism, low set ears and micrognathism were noted. High mevalonic acid level was found by GC/MS.     

菏泽地区新生儿甲基丙二酸血症的 筛查及基因突变分析

目的 分析甲基丙二酸血症(MMA)患儿的临床表型、基因突变类型以及不同类型治疗效果,为该病的产前诊断提供科学依据。方法 利用串联质谱技术对菏泽市2015年5月-2019年12月出生的210 319名新生儿进行筛查,结合尿气相色谱质谱检测及二代测序技术,将确诊的88例患儿分为单纯型MMA患儿和MMA合并同型半胱氨酸血症,进行相应治疗,并采用配对样本t检验对患儿治疗前后进行比较分析。结果 88例MMA患儿中79例为MMA合并同型半胱氨酸血症,9例为单纯型MMA,49例患儿行基因测序,其中MUT基因突变位点13个,包括3个未报道突变:c.389G>A:1963C>T、c.2009G>T、c.1233_1235delCAT;MMACHA基因突变位点20个,包括5个未报道突变:c.481C>T、c.568dupT、c.57delT、c.471G>A、c.IVS2+149C>T。78例MMA合并同型半胱氨酸血症患儿治疗后较治疗前血中丙酰肉碱(C3)值和尿中甲基丙二酸值显著下降,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 新生儿遗传代谢病筛查能对MMA早发现、早诊断、早治疗,并降低其死亡率和致残率。基因检测有助于MMA分型诊治,不同基因型的临床表型以及对治疗反应不同。新发突变位点,不仅丰富了我国MMA患儿基因突变谱,而且为先证者家系提供产前诊断。     

Long-term clinical outcomes of cochlear implantation in children with symptomatic epilepsy

ObjectivesTo describe long-term clinical outcomes of cochlear implantation in deaf children with symptomatic epilepsy.Materials and methodsA retrospective data analysis review of patients implanted at the Cochlear Implant Center of the University of Parma, Italy, was performed, searching for implanted children with a confirmed diagnosis of symptomatic epilepsy. Clinical data, imaging findings, pre- and post-operative epilepsy pattern and EEG traces were analyzed; communicative skills were assessed using the Profile of Actual Linguistic Skills.ResultsSearch retrieved two patients affected by profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and symptomatic epilepsy (associated respectively with methylmalonic acidemia and cerebral palsy). After careful parental counselling both patients were offered and underwent cochlear implantation. Activation and use of cochlear implant did not determine substantial changes of pre-existing seizure pattern and EEG traces. Both patients showed substantial development of their communicative abilities.ConclusionsCochlear implantation in children with symptomatic epilepsy did not determine variations in seizure pattern or EEG traces. Both patients experienced substantial benefit from cochlear implantation.     

Methylmalonic acidemia mimicking diabetic ketoacidosis and septic shock in infants

Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is most common inherited type of organic acidemia. It has diverse presentation in older infants without any initial apparent symptoms. MMA sometimes present with sudden metabolic decompensation, which may mimics common emergencies like septic shock and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) without early recognition can be fatal. In born error of metabolism especially organic acidemia should be suspected in any infant presented with severe high anion gap metabolic acidosis. We report two cases of MMA in infants presented acutely mimicking DKA and septic shock.     

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??Methylmalonic aciduria is severe metabolic disorders with potential life-threatening acute complications. Early recognition of metabolic decompensation and appropriate management are critical to ensure good outcome. Plasma total homocysteine should be determined as soon as possible for the differential diagnosis of isolated MMA or combined MMA. The cornerstone of acute management is provision of enough calories and volume of body fluid. Protein restriction is necessary for the patients with isolated MMA. Cobalamin??folate and L-carnitine supplementation are important to correct the metabolic disorders. Underlying triggers should be paid attention to. Long-term management can prolong the life time and improve the quality of life. The individualized nutritional therapy and medical management are keys.     

Reversal of cardiomyopathy in propionic acidemia after liver transplantation: a 10‐year follow‐up

Cardiomyopathy is a frequent complication in propionic acidemia. It is mostly rapidly fatal and independent of the metabolic control or medical intervention. Here, we present the reversal of a severe cardiomyopathy after liver transplantation in a patient with propionic acidemia and the long‐term stability after ten years. Liver transplantation in patients with propionic acidemia may be considered a valid and long‐lasting treatment when cardiomyopathy is progressive and unresponsive to medical therapy.