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Measuring Oral Fatty Acid Thresholds, Fat Perception, Fatty Food Liking, and Papillae Density in Humans
Published on: June 4, 2014
[Clinical heterogeneity in fructose intolerance]
Insights
Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) in infants often presents with vomiting and failure to thrive, requiring early diagnosis. A fructose-free diet is crucial for survival, highlighting the need for pediatrician awareness.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Context:
- Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is a rare metabolic disorder.
- Diagnosis in infants is often delayed, leading to severe health consequences.
- This study focuses on eight infants diagnosed with HFI.
Purpose:
- To describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic challenges of HFI in infants.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and dietary management.
- To report a co-occurring case of Fructose-1,6-diphosphatase deficiency.
Summary:
- Eight infants diagnosed with HFI via fructose tolerance tests and liver aldolase assays presented with vomiting and failure to thrive.
- Hepatomegaly and abnormal liver function tests were common; hypoglycemia occurred in 3 patients.
- Two infants died, while six survived and are well on a fructose-free diet.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical role of pediatricians in recognizing HFI symptoms and understanding infant nutrition.
- Stresses the danger of fructose-containing solutions in infusion therapy.
- Underscores the necessity of prompt diagnosis and lifelong dietary adherence for HFI management.
Abstract:
We observed eight infants with hereditary fructose intolerance which had been diagnosed by the fructose tolerance test and an aldolase assay on biopsied liver. None of these had been diagnosed before their admission to our department. The most frequent symptoms were vomiting and failure to thrive. All the patients had hepatomegaly. Laboratory findings were indicative of disturbed hepatic function. Hypoglycemia was found in only 3 out of 8 patients. The course was lethal in 2 patients; the 6 survivors are doing well following a fructose-free diet. The importance of practising paediatricians having the detailed nutritional history of the patient and precise knowledge of infant food formulae is stressed. The danger of using fructose continuing solutions for infusion therapy is pointed out. We also report a case of F-1,6-diphosphatase deficiency.
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