It-Koon Tan1, Bani Gajra, Maria S F Lim. 1. Clinical Biochemistry Laboratories, Department of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Recommended by the National Advisory Council of the Disabled, the Ministry of Health of Singapore supported a nationwide study of inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). When the 5-year project ended, investigations were provided as a diagnostic service. This paper documents our 13-year experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with symptoms suggestive of an IMD were referred. Investigations on heparinised blood and/or urine included amino acid analysis using a Beckman 6300 Amino Acid Analyser, organic acids analysis using a Hewlett- Packard gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, mucopolysaccharides quantitative assay and high-resolution electrophoresis, sugars by thin-layer chromatography. RESULTS: Of the 3656 patients studied from 1992 to 2005, IMDs were found in 127 (77 males; 50 females; age range, 1 day to 56 years). Their ethnic distribution was: 55.1% Chinese, 19.7% Malays, 11.0% Indians, 11.0% other races and 3.2% unknown. IMD diagnosed comprised 41 (32.3%) organic acidurias, 34 (26.8%) amino acidaemias/acidurias, 14 (11.0%) urea cycle defects, 15 (11.8%) mucopolysaccharidoses, 6 (4.7%) carbohydrate disorders and 17 (13.4%) others. Twenty-three (18.1%) cases were diagnosed during the neonatal period and 36 (28.3%) after the age of 13. CONCLUSION: Positive detection rate was 3.5% and 48 IMDs were found. Significant proportion of cases had late-onset IMDs. Early identification of IMDs permits timely management, genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis.
INTRODUCTION: Recommended by the National Advisory Council of the Disabled, the Ministry of Health of Singapore supported a nationwide study of inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). When the 5-year project ended, investigations were provided as a diagnostic service. This paper documents our 13-year experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Patients with symptoms suggestive of an IMD were referred. Investigations on heparinised blood and/or urine included amino acid analysis using a Beckman 6300 Amino Acid Analyser, organic acids analysis using a Hewlett- Packard gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, mucopolysaccharides quantitative assay and high-resolution electrophoresis, sugars by thin-layer chromatography. RESULTS: Of the 3656 patients studied from 1992 to 2005, IMDs were found in 127 (77 males; 50 females; age range, 1 day to 56 years). Their ethnic distribution was: 55.1% Chinese, 19.7% Malays, 11.0% Indians, 11.0% other races and 3.2% unknown. IMD diagnosed comprised 41 (32.3%) organic acidurias, 34 (26.8%) amino acidaemias/acidurias, 14 (11.0%) urea cycle defects, 15 (11.8%) mucopolysaccharidoses, 6 (4.7%) carbohydrate disorders and 17 (13.4%) others. Twenty-three (18.1%) cases were diagnosed during the neonatal period and 36 (28.3%) after the age of 13. CONCLUSION: Positive detection rate was 3.5% and 48 IMDs were found. Significant proportion of cases had late-onset IMDs. Early identification of IMDs permits timely management, genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis.
Authors: Marie Julianne C Racoma; Maria Kristina Karizza B Calibag; Cynthia P Cordero; Mary Ann R Abacan; Mary Anne D Chiong Journal: Orphanet J Rare Dis Date: 2021-07-21 Impact factor: 4.123
Authors: Moacir Wajner; Angela Sitta; Aline Kayser; Marion Deon; Ana C Groehs; Daniella M Coelho; Carmen R Vargas Journal: Genet Mol Biol Date: 2019-04-11 Impact factor: 1.771