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Published on: November 27, 2019
Rare case of primary carnitine deficiency presenting as acute liver failure
Shalu Jain1, Karunesh Kumar2, Smita Malhotra2
1Pediatric Gastroenterology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India shalu0927@gmail.com.
Insights
Systemic primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) is a genetic disorder affecting fatty acid oxidation. Early diagnosis and L-carnitine treatment are crucial for preventing severe health issues like liver failure.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Systemic primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) is an inherited metabolic disorder.
- It stems from mutations in the SLC22A5 gene, impacting the OCTN2 carnitine transporter.
- This deficiency impairs fatty acid oxidation, a critical energy pathway.
Observation:
- PCD symptoms vary, including liver injury, cardiomyopathy, and myopathy, often triggered by stress or fasting.
- Acute liver failure is an uncommon but serious presentation in young children.
- Screening for fatty acid oxidation defects is vital for children with acute liver failure.
Findings:
- The study identified a patient presenting with acute liver failure due to PCD.
- Metabolic screening and genetic sequencing confirmed the diagnosis.
- The patient showed a positive response to L-carnitine treatment.
Implications:
- Early detection of PCD through metabolic and genetic testing is essential.
- Prompt L-carnitine supplementation can be lifesaving for affected individuals.
- This highlights the importance of considering metabolic disorders in unexplained pediatric liver failure.
Abstract:
Systemic primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the SLC22A5 gene that encodes carnitine transporter, OCTN2. Transporter deficiency leads to defective fatty acid oxidation. Signs and symptoms ranging from liver injury in children to cardiomyopathy and skeletal myopathy in adults, manifest during periods of stress and fasting. Though acute liver failure is infrequently described, young children presenting as acute liver failure should be screened for fatty acid oxidation defects including PCD by testing plasma for amino acids and further confirmed by genetic sequencing. Early identification and treatment using L-carnitine is lifesaving. Our patient presented as acute liver failure and diagnosis of PCD was confirmed by metabolic screening and genetic sequencing. He responded to the treatment.
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