Search

Methylmalonic acidemia (MMAemia) is characterized by accumulation of methylmalonic acid (MMA) in all body tissues. To minimize disease-related complications, isolated kidney (KTx), liver (LTx) or combined liver-kidney transplantation (LKTx) have been suggested. However, the impact of these different transplant strategies on outcome are unclear.In this multicenter retrospective observational study, we compared plasma MMA levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) data of 83 patients. Sixty-eight patients (82%) had a mutsup0/sup-type MMAemia, one patient had a mutsup-/sup-type MMAemia, and seven (7.3%) had an inherited defect in cobalamin metabolism (cblA- or cblB-type MMAemia). Median observation period was 3.7 years (0-15.1 years).Twenty-six (31%) patients underwent KTx, 24 (29%) LTx and 33 (40%) LKTx. Posttransplant, mean plasma MMA concentration significantly decreased in all three cohorts; but at month 12, plasma MMA in KTx (1372 ± 1101 μmol/L) was 7.8-fold higher than in LTx (176 ± 103 μmol/L; Plt; 0.001) and 6.4-fold higher than in LKTx (215 ± 110 μmol/L; Plt; 0.001). Comparable data were observed at month 24. At time of transplantation, mean eGFR in KTx was 18.1 ± 24.3 mL/min/1.73 msup2/sup, in LTx 99.8 ± 29.9 mL/min/1.73 msup2/sup, and in LKTx 31.5 ± 21.2 mL/min/1.73 msup2/sup. At month 12 posttransplant, mean eGFR in KTx (62.3 ± 30.3 mL/min/1.73 msup2/sup) was 33.4% lower than in LTx (93.5 ± 18.3 mL/min/1.73 msup2/sup; P = 0.0053) and 25.4% lower than in LKTx (83.5 ± 26.9 mL/min/1.73 msup2/sup; P = 0.0403).In patients with isolated MMAemia, LTx and LKTx lead to markedly lower plasma MMA levels during the first 2 years posttransplant than KTx and are associated with a better preservation of kidney function. LTx should therefore be part of the transplant strategy in MMAemia.

Patient registries for rare diseases enable systematic data collection and can also be used to facilitate postauthorization safety studies (PASS) for orphan drugs. This study evaluates the PASS for betaine anhydrous (Cystadane), conducted as public private partnership (PPP) between the European network and registry for homocystinurias and methylation defects and the marketing authorization holder (MAH). Data were prospectively collected, 2013–2016, in a noninterventional, international, multicenter, registry study. Putative adverse and severe adverse events were reported to the MAH's pharmacovigilance. In total, 130 individuals with vitamin B6 nonresponsive (N = 54) and partially responsive (N = 7) cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) deficiency, as well as 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR; N = 21) deficiency and cobalamin C (N = 48) disease were included. Median (range) duration of treatment with betaine anhydrous was 6.8 (0–9.8) years. The prescribed betaine dose exceeded the recommended maximum (6 g/day) in 49% of individuals older than 10 years because of continued dose adaptation to weight; however, with disease-specific differences (minimum: 31% in B6 nonresponsive CBS deficiency, maximum: 67% in MTHFR deficiency). Despite dose escalation no new or potential risk was identified. Combined disease-specific treatment decreased mean ± SD total plasma homocysteine concentrations from 203 ± 116 to 81 ± 51 μmol/L (p < 0.0001), except in MTHFR deficiency. Recommendations for betaine anhydrous dosage were revised for individuals ≥ 10 years. PPPs between MAH and international scientific consortia can be considered a reliable model for implementing a PASS, reutilizing well-established structures and avoiding data duplication and fragmentation.

Glycogen storage type Ib (GSDIb) is a rare inborn error of metabolism caused by glucose-6-phosphate transporter (G6PT, SLC37A4) deficiency. G6PT defect results in excessive accumulation of glycogen and fat in the liver, kidney, and intestinal mucosa and into both glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis impairment. Clinical features include hepatomegaly, hypoglycemia, lactic acidemia, hyperuricemia, hyperlipidemia, and growth retardation. Long-term complications are liver adenoma, hepatocarcinoma, nephropathy and osteoporosis. The hallmark of GSDIb is neutropenia, with impaired neutrophil function, recurrent infections and inflammatory bowel disease. Alongside classical nutritional therapy with carbohydrates supplementation and immunological therapy with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, the emerging role of 1,5-anhydroglucitol in the pathogenesis of neutrophil dysfunction led to repurpose empagliflozin, an inhibitor of the renal glucose transporter SGLT2: the current literature of its off-label use in GSDIb patients reports beneficial effects on neutrophil dysfunction and its clinical consequences. Surprisingly, this glucose-lowering drug ameliorated the glycemic and metabolic control in GSDIb patients. Furthermore, numerous studies from big cohorts of type 2 diabetes patients showed the efficacy of empagliflozin in reducing the cardiovascular risk, the progression of kidney disease, the NAFLD and the metabolic syndrome. Beneficial effects have also been described on peripheral neuropathy in a prediabetic rat model. Increasing evidences highlight the role of empagliflozin in regulating the cellular energy sensors SIRT1/AMPK and Akt/mTOR, which leads to improvement of mitochondrial structure and function, stimulation of autophagy, decrease of oxidative stress and suppression of inflammation. Modulation of these pathways shift the oxidative metabolism from carbohydrates to lipids oxidation and results crucial in reducing insulin levels, insulin resistance, glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity. For its pleiotropic effects, empagliflozin appears to be a good candidate for drug repurposing also in other metabolic diseases presenting with hypoglycemia, organ damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and defective autophagy.

Neonatal and infantile cholestasis (NIC) can represent the onset of a surgically correctable disease and of a genetic or metabolic disorder worthy of medical treatment. Timely recognition of NIC and identification of the underlying etiology are paramount to improve outcomes. Upon invitation by the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), an expert working grouped was formed to formulate evidence-based positions on current knowledge about the diagnosis of NIC. A systematic literature search was conducted to collect evidence about epidemiology, etiology, clinical aspects and accuracy of available diagnostic tests in NIC. Evidence was scored using the GRADE system. All recommendations were approved by a panel of experts upon agreement of at least 75% of the members. The final document was approved by all the panel components. This position document summarizes the collected statements and defines the best-evidence diagnostic approach to cholestasis in the first year of life.

BackgroundIn focal congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), surgery is the gold standard of treatment, even for lesions localized in the head of the pancreas. We report the video of the pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy performed in a five-month-old child with focal CHI.Operative techniqueBaby was placed in the supine position with both arms outstretched to the up. After transverse supraumbilical incision and mobilization of ascending and transverse colon, exploration and multiple biopsies of the tail and the body of the pancreas ruled out multifocality. Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy was performed according to the following steps: extended Kocher maneuver, followed by retrograde cholecystectomy and common bile duct isolation; division of the gastroduodenal artery and of the gastrocolic ligament; division of the duodenum, Treitz ligament and jejunum; transection of the pancreatic body. The reconstructive time was with: pancreato-jejunostomy; hepaticojejunostomy; pilorus-preserving antecolic duodeno-jejunostomy. The anastomoses were accomplished with synthetic absorbable monofilament sutures; two drains were placed close to the biliary and pancreatic anastomoses and to the intestinal anastomosis, respectively. Total operative time was 6 h, with no blood loss and/or intra-operative complications, immediate normalization of blood glucose levels and discharge from surgical ward 19 days after surgery.ConclusionsSurgical treatment of medical unresponsive focal forms of CHI is feasible in very small children: it is mandatory to refer the baby to a high-volume centre for a multidisciplinary management involving hepato-bilio-pancreatic surgeons and experts in metabolic disease.

Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) is an ultra-rare disease, and several gaps of knowledge on various issues remain, particularly at a regional/national level. Expert opinions collected through well-defined consensus methodologies are increasingly used to make available reliable information in the context of rare/ultra-rare diseases. With the aim to provide indications on infantile neurovisceral ASMD (also formerly known as Niemann–Pick disease type A), chronic neurovisceral ASMD (formerly known as Niemann–Pick disease type A/B) and chronic visceral ASMD (formerly known as Niemann–Pick disease type B) in Italy, we conducted a Delphi consensus of experts focused on five main areas: (i) patients and disease characteristics; (ii) unmet needs and quality of life; (iii) diagnostic issues; (iv) treatment-related aspects; and (v) patient journey. Pre-specified, objective criteria were used to outline the multidisciplinary panel, based on 19 Italian experts in ASMD in paediatric and adult patients from different Italian Regions, including both clinicians (n = 16) and ASMD patients’ advocacy or payors with expertise in rare diseases (n = 3). During two Delphi rounds, a high ratio of agreement was found on several topics related to ASMD characteristics, diagnosis, management and disease burden. Our findings may provide valuable indications for management of ASMD at a public health level in Italy.

Niemann-Pick C disease (NPC) is a lysosomal disease caused by mutations in NPC1 or NPC2 genes responsible for intracellular accumulation of free cholesterol and glycosphingolipids in a variety of tissues. We collected plasma samples from 15 NPC1 patients and 15 age-matched controls to analyze the impairment of lipid metabolism. Comprehensive-targeted quantitative lipidomic analysis was per-formed by Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry, while oxysterols and lyso-sphingolipids, the classical NPC biomarkers, were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Lipidomic analysis allowed the quantitation of ~1100 lipid species, belonging to 13 different classes. Statistical analysis of collected data showed a significant differentiation between NPC patients and controls. Lipid profiling showed an elevation of arachidonic acid and total diacylglycerols. Conversely, sphingomyelins, phosphatidylethano-lamines, phosphatidylcholines, cholesterylesters, and lactosylceramides were decreased. Indeed, the lipid imbalance was consistent with the increased concentrations of oxysterols and lyso-sphingolipids. Our study revealed a novel disease biosignature suggesting new potential diagnostic biomarkers. The alteration in key lipids molecules involved in inflammatory pathways and in oxidative stress regulation, provides new insights in the complex pathophysiology of the disease, still largely un-known.

Background Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HI) is the most frequent cause of recurrent hypoglycemia in children. Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, it remains an important cause of morbidity, leading to neurological complications, such as psychomotor retardation and epilepsy. Patients with diffuse drug-unresponsive HI manifest neurological impairment and neurobehavioral problems, even though surgically treated with a near-total pancreatectomy. Based on the analogies between HI and GLUT1 deficiency, both presenting with neuroglycopenia and lack of alternative cerebral energy sources, we administered a ketogenic diet (KD) in three drug-unresponsive GCK-HI patients with the aim of preserving neurodevelopment and avoiding the need of a near-total pancreatectomy. They presented recurrent symptomatic hypoglycemia, intellectual disability and refractory epilepsy. Patients were treated with classical KD for 79, 27 and 18 months, respectively. Results All patients became asymptomatic in a few days and showed an important improvement of the alert state. Epilepsy disappeared and no appearance of novel hypoglycemic lesions was detected with a brain MRI. Cognitive and adaptive abilities rapidly improved and normalized. IQ rose significantly from 81 to 111 (p = 0.04) in patient 1, from 82 vs 95 (p = 0.04) in patient 2, from 60 to 90 (p = 0.04) in patient 3. Conclusions We demonstrated the safety and efficacy of KD in the treatment of drug-unresponsive GCK-HI at a short and long-term. The neuroprotective effects of KD determined the recovery from epilepsy and intellectual disabilities and averted the need of a near-total pancreatectomy. All patients and their families reported an improvement of physical and psychosocial well-being, with a substantial improvement of their quality of life. These results might change the course and the quality of life of these patients and their families, having a relevant impact on human lives. Therefore, KD might be considered the elective treatment in unresponsive forms of GCK-HI.

Context: Single Large Scale Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Deletions (SLSMDs), causing Pearson Syndrome (PS) and Kearns-Sayre Syndrome (KSS) are multisystemic diseases with multiple endocrine involvements. Adreno-cortical axis has not been systematically investigated in SLSMDs and so far, only 12 patients with adrenal insufficiency have been reported. Objective: To evaluate the involvement of adrenal axis and progression of adrenal insufficiency in SLSMDs patients. Methods: We enrolled, in a longitudinal monocentric study a large cohort of 18 patients with SLSMDs. All were systematically evaluated with adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), basal cortisol and ACTH stimulation tests at high (HDT) and low (LDT) doses to explore adrenal axis function. Results: At baseline, adrenal function was impaired in 67% of PS and 50% of KSS; of the 39% of patients with normal baseline function, all PS patients and 83% of KSS patients developed adrenal abnormalities during the follow-up. Response to HDT and LDT identified 4 types of adrenal function: normal, subclinical type I and II and Adrenal Insufficiency (AI). LDT resulted more sensitive than HDT to identify subclinical AI. Based on these results, we elaborated a diagnostic process to assess adreno-cortical axis in patients with SLSMDs, proving its utility as screening and diagnostic tool. Conclusion: We showed that adrenal insufficiency is a relevant part of clinical spectrum in SLSMDs. Basal and after-stimulus assessment of adrenal axis should be early and regularly investigated. Our proposed diagnostic process could help in early diagnosis, treatment and monitoring any degree of adrenal abnormalities.

IntroductionArgininosuccinate lyase is integral to the urea cycle, which enables nitrogen waste and biosynthesis of arginine, a precursor of nitric oxide. Inherited argininosuccinate lyase deficiency causes argininosuccinic aciduria, the second most common urea cycle defect and an inherited model of systemic nitric oxide deficiency. Patients present with developmental delay, epilepsy and movement disorder. Here we aim to characterise epilepsy, a common and neurodebilitating complication in argininosuccinic aciduria.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study in seven tertiary metabolic centres in the UK, Italy and Canada from 2020 to 2022 to assess the phenotype of epilepsy in ASA and correlate it with clinical, biochemical, radiological and electroencephalographic data.ResultsThirty-seven patients aged 1 to 31 years old were included. Twenty-two (60%) patients presented epilepsy. Median age at epilepsy-onset was 24 months. Generalized tonic clonic and focal seizures were most common in early-onset patients whilst atypical absences were predominant in late-onset patients. Seventeen patients (77%) required antiseizure medications and 6 (27%) had partially controlled or refractory epilepsy. Epileptic patients presented with a severe neurodebilitating disease with higher rates of speech delay (p=0.04) and autism spectrum disorders (p=0.01) and more frequent arginine supplementation (p=0.01) compared to non-epileptic patients. Neonatal seizures were not associated with a higher risk of developing epilepsy. Biomarkers of ureagenesis did not differ between epileptic and non-epileptic patients. Epilepsy-onset in early infancy (p=0.05) and electroencephalographic background asymmetry (p=0.0007) were significant predictors of partially controlled or refractory epilepsy.ConclusionsEpilepsy in argininosuccinic aciduria is frequent, polymorphic, associated with more frequent neurodevelopmental complications. We identified prognostic factors for pharmacoresistance in epilepsy. This study does not support defective ureagenesis as prominent in the pathophysiology of epilepsy but suggests roles of arginine toxicity and central dopamine deficiency.Key PointsEpilepsy in ASA is frequent, polymorphic, occurring in early childhood and associated with a more severe neurodevelopmental phenotype.Early-onset epilepsy and electroencephalographic background asymmetry are prognostic for pharmaco-resistance of epilepsy in ASA.Hyperammonaemia is suggested not to be the primary pathophysiological mechanism for epileptogenesis in ASA.Central dopamine deficiency is suggested to have a role in pathophysiology of epilepsy in ASA.Arginine-related neurotoxicity is suggested to be associated with increased in frequency and severity of epilepsy in ASA.

Regulation of H

Since the EU approval of nitisinone in 2005, prognosis for patients with hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 has changed dramatically, with patients living with the disease now reaching adulthood for the first time in history. This study aimed to assess the long-term safety and outcomes of nitisinone treatment in patients with hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1.We did a non-interventional, non-comparative, multicentre study in 77 sites across 17 countries in Europe and collected retrospective and prospective longitudinal data in patients with hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 who were treated with oral nitisinone during the study period (Feb 21, 2005, to Sept 30, 2019). There were no specific exclusion criteria. Patients were followed-up with an investigator at least annually for as long as they were treated, or until the end of the study. The primary endpoints, occurrence of adverse events related to hepatic, renal, ophthalmic, haematological, or cognitive or developmental function, were assessed in the complete set (all patients already receiving treatment at the index date [Feb 21, 2005] or starting treatment thereafter) and the index set (the subset of patients who had their first dose on the index date or later only).315 patients were enrolled during the study period (complete set). Additionally, data from 24 patients who had liver transplantation or died during the post-marketing surveillance programme were retrieved (extended analysis set; 339 patients). Median treatment duration was 11·2 years (range 0·7-28·4); cumulative nitisinone exposure was 3172·7 patient-years. Patients who were diagnosed by neonatal screening started nitisinone treatment at median age 0·8 months versus 8·5 months in those who presented clinically. Incidences of hepatic, renal, ophthalmic, haematological, or cognitive or developmental adverse events were low. Occurrence of liver transplantation or death was more frequent the later that treatment was initiated (none of 70 patients who started treatment at age28 days vs 35 [13%] of 268 patients who started treatment at age ≥28 days). 279 (89%) of 315 patients were assessed as having either very good or good nitisinone treatment compliance. Treatment and diet compliance declined as patients aged. Suboptimal plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine levels were observed. The majority of patients were reported to have good overall clinical condition throughout treatment; 176 (87%) of 203 during the entire study, 98% following 1 year of treatment.Long-term nitisinone treatment was well tolerated and no new safety signals were revealed. Life-limiting hepatic disease appears to have been prevented by early treatment start. Neonatal screening was the most effective way of ensuring early treatment. Standardised monitoring of blood tyrosine, phenylalanine, and nitisinone levels has potential to guide individualised therapy.Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi).

Newborn screening (NBS) for inborn errors of metabolism is one of the most advanced tools for secondary prevention in medicine, as it allows early diagnosis and prompt treatment initiation. The expanded newborn screening was introduced in Italy between 2016 and 2017 (Law 167/2016; DM 13 October 2016; DPCM 12-1-2017). A total of 1,586,578 infants born in Italy were screened between January 2017 and December 2020. For this survey, we collected data from 15 Italian screening laboratories, focusing on the metabolic disorders identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) based analysis between January 2019 and December 2020. Aminoacidemias were the most common inborn errors in Italy, and an equal percentage was observed in detecting organic acidemias and mitochondrial fatty acids beta-oxidation defects. Second-tier tests are widely used in most laboratories to reduce false positives. For example, second-tier tests for methylmalonic acid and homocysteine considerably improved the screening of CblC without increasing unnecessary recalls. Finally, the newborn screening allowed us to identify conditions that are mainly secondary to a maternal deficiency. We describe the goals reached since the introduction of the screening in Italy by exchanging knowledge and experiences among the laboratories.

Although a disease is defined as rare when it has a prevalence of less than 1:2000, the overall prevalence of rare diseases in the population is greater than 1%. Among potential organ donors, a similar frequency is observed. To date, guidelines have not been established, and operational decisions have been made empirically, case- by-case, based on the experience and expertise of clinicians. For this reason, the Italian Superior Health Council (CSS) has appointed a working Group to address "patients with a rare disease as potential organ donors," with the aim of devising recommendations for the management of transplant cases in which the donors have a rare disease. This group evaluated 493 diseases (10% of all rare diseases, including over 95% of patients with a rare disease) to deliver a technical report dealing with the suitability of organ donation and transplantation, with a focus on the organs most frequently used, including kidney, liver, heart, lung, and pancreas. This work has made it clear that a rare disease "per se" does not contraindicate organ donation at all. Indeed, in donors affected by a rare disease, almost 80% of the organs are suitable for transplantation, approximately 7% are unsuitable, and approximately 14% are suitable as non-standard with an acceptable risk.

Background Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type 0, VI and IX are inborn errors of metabolism involving hepatic glycogen synthesis and degradation. We performed a characterization of a large Italian cohort of 30 patients with GSD type 0a, VI, IXa, IXb and IXc. A retrospective evaluation of genetical, auxological and endocrinological data, biochemical tests, and nutritional intakes was assessed. Eventual findings of overweight/obesity and insulin-resistance were correlated with diet composition. Results Six GSD-0a, 1 GSD-VI, and 23 GSD-IX patients were enrolled, with an age of presentation from 0 to 72 months (median 14 months). Diagnosis was made at a median age of 30 months, with a median diagnostic delay of 11 months and a median follow-up of 66 months. From first to last visit, patients gained a median height of 0.6 SDS (from − 1.1 to 2.1 SDS) and a median weight of 0.5 SDS (from − 2.5 to 3.3 SDS); mean and minimal glucose values significant improved (p p p p p Conclusion A prompt establishment of specific nutritional therapy allowed to preserve growth, improve glycemic control and prevent liver complication, during childhood. Remarkably, the administration of a high protein diet appeared to have a protective effect against overweight/obesity and insulin-resistance.

Biotinidase deficiency (BD) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder in which the enzyme biotinidase is totally or partially defective and the vitamin biotin is not recycled. BD meets the major criteria for a population screening program. Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) allows early diagnosis of BD, thus preventing the high morbidity and mortality associated with untreated disease. Both profound and partial BD variant can be detected by NBS test, and serum enzyme activity and/or mutational analysis are required for definitive diagnosis. In Italy, BD is included in the screening panel for inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) that has been declared mandatory in 2016. We analyzed the data of the first 3 years of the NBS for BD in our region (Abruzzo, Italy), with the aim to describe the outcomes of this recently introduced screening program. In over 26,393 newborns screened, we found 2 carriers and 16 cases with genotype associated with partial BD. Since the serum biotinidase assay has been recently introduced in our algorithm, only three of our newborns met the criteria of genetic and biochemical confirmation, with an incidence of 1:8797, which is in the high range of what has been reported in the literature. All affected infants carried the 1330G>C (D444H) variant in compound heterozygosis, with variants known to be associated with profound BD. A variant previously not described and likely pathogenic was found in one newborn. None of the infants had signs or symptoms. The study of the distribution of the enzyme activity in our population allowed us to validate the adopted cutoff with which the program has a positive predictive value of 18% and to analyze some preanalytical factors influencing biotinidase activity: A correlation of the enzyme activity with gestational age and time at specimen collection was found. Lower mean values of enzyme activity were found in infants born in the summer.

Background Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) with liver involvement are classified into types 0, I, III, IV, VI, IX and XI, depending on the affected enzyme. Hypoglycemia and hepatomegaly are hallmarks of disease, but muscular and renal tubular involvement, dyslipidemia and osteopenia can develop. Considering the paucity of literature available, herein we provide a narrative review of these latter forms of GSDs. Main body Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations and laboratory test results, but molecular analysis is often necessary to distinguish the various forms, whose presentation can be similar. Compared to GSD type I and III, which are characterized by a more severe impact on metabolic and glycemic homeostasis, GSD type 0, VI, IX and XI are usually known to be responsive to the nutritional treatment for achieving a balanced metabolic homeostasis in the pediatric age. However, some patients can exhibit a more severe phenotype and an important progression of the liver and muscular disease. The effects of dietary adjustments in GSD type IV are encouraging, but data are limited. Conclusions Early diagnosis allows a good metabolic control, with improvement of quality of life and prognosis, therefore we underline the importance of building a proper knowledge among physicians about these rare conditions. Regular monitoring is necessary to restrain disease progression and complications.

Background Oligosaccharidoses are storage disorders due to enzymatic defects involved in the breakdown of the oligosaccharidic component of glycosylated proteins. The defect cause the accumulation of oligosaccharides (OS) and, depending on the lacking enzyme, results in characteristic profiles which are helpful for the diagnosis. We developed a new tandem mass spectrometry method for the screening of urinary OS which was applied to identify a large panel of storage disorders. Methods The method was set-up in urine and dried urine spots (DUS). Samples were analysed, without derivatization and using maltoheptaose as internal standard, by UHPLC-MS/MS with MRM acquisition of target OS transitions, including Glc4, the biomarker of Pompe disease. The chromatographic run was Results The method allowed to confirm the diagnosis of oligosaccharidoses (sialidosis, α-/β-mannosidosis, fucosidosis, aspartylglucosaminuria) and of GM1 and GM2 (Sandhoff type) gangliosidosis, by detecting specific OS profiles. In other storage disorders (mucolipidosis II and III, mucopolysaccharidosis type IVB) the analyisis revealed abnormal OS excretion with non-specific profiles. Besides Pompe disease, the tetrasaccharide Glc4 was increased also in disorders of autophagy (Vici syndrome, Yunis-Varon syndrome, and Danon disease) presenting cardiomuscular involvement with glycogen storage. Overall, results showed a clear separation between patients and controls, both in urine and in DUS. Conclusion This new UHPLC/MS-MS method, which is suitable for rapid and easy screening of OS in urine and DUS, expands the detection of storage disorders from oligosaccharidoses to other diseases, including the novel category of inherited disorders of autophagy.

Pompe disease (PD) is caused by deficiency of the enzyme acid α-glucosidase resulting in glycogen accumulation in lysosomes. Clinical symptoms include skeletal myopathy, respiratory failure, and cardiac hypertrophy. We studied plasma proteomic and lipidomic profiles in 12 PD patients compared to age-matched controls. The proteomic profiles were analyzed by nLC-MS/MS SWATH method. Wide-targeted lipidomic analysis was performed by LC-IMS/MS, allowing to quantify >1100 lipid species, spanning 13 classes. Significant differences were found for 16 proteins, with four showing the most relevant changes (GPLD1, PON1, LDHB, PKM). Lipidomic analysis showed elevated levels of three phosphatidylcholines and of the free fatty acid 22:4, and reduced levels of six lysophosphatidylcholines. Up-regulated glycolytic enzymes (LDHB and PKM) are involved in autophagy and glycogen metabolism, while down-regulated PON1 and GPLD1 combined with lipidomic data indicate an abnormal phospholipid metabolism. Reduced GPLD1 and dysregulation of lipids with acyl-chains characteristic of GPI-anchor structure suggest the potential involvement of GPI-anchor system in PD. Results of proteomic analysis displayed the involvement of multiple cellular functions affecting inflammatory, immune and antioxidant responses, autophagy, Ca2+ -homeostasis, and cell adhesion. The combined multi-omic approach revealed new biosignatures in PD, providing novel insights in disease pathophysiology with potential future clinical application.

Aims The aims of this study are to evaluate the progressive involvement of the cardiac conduction system in the Kearn–Sayre syndrome (KSS) and to establish criteria for the prevention of episodes of syncope or sudden cardiac death. Methods and results This is a prospective monocentric study including KSS patients, with diagnosis based on clinical manifestations, muscle biopsy, and genetic tests, before the age of 18. All patients underwent cardiac screening examination with 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), 24-h Holter monitoring, and pacemaker (PM) interrogation twice a year. Fifteen patients (nine males, mean age 16.6 ± 3.9 years) with a sporadic KSS were recruited. All subjects manifested at least one of the intraventricular conduction defects (IVDs): 1 right bundle branch block (RBBB), 2 left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), 11 a bi-fascicular block (RBBB + LAFB), and 1 left posterior fascicular block. Most children with bi-fascicular block developed LAFB before the RBBB (P = 0.0049). In six patients, IVD degenerated into atrioventricular block (AVB). Endocavitary PM was implanted in 11 patients (6 with AVB and 5 with a bi-fascicular block), while an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator only in one patient with a non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. Four died at mean age of 14.7 ± 2.6 years, but none of them suddenly. Conclusion Even a ‘simple’ ECG can predict the arrhythmic risk and the occurrence of catastrophic events in young patients with KSS. Left anterior fascicular block precedes RBBB in determining the bi-fascicular block and this can predict an inexorable progression of the conduction defects even in a short time. Pacemaker implantation may be indicated in these patients since the first bi-fascicular block manifestation.

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to establish the rate, etiology, and short-term outcome of hypoglycemia in infants and children accessing an emergency department of a tertiary care pediatric hospital. METHODS The study was retrospectively conducted on the clinical records of children with hypoglycemia aged 15 days to 17 years who were admitted consecutively to the emergency department during a 6-year period for various clinical conditions. Hypoglycemia was defined as a venous plasma glucose level lower than 45 mg/dL. RESULTS Hypoglycemia was detected in 402 patients (female-to-male ratio, 1.26; mean age, 2.6 ± 1.8 years), with a rate of 0.99 per 1000 children. Plasma glucose levels ranged from 3 to 45 (mean, 37.48 ± 7.44) mg/dL. Hypoglycemia was associated with gastroenteritis or other infectious diseases causing protracted fasting in 86.32% of cases, whereas hypoglycemia related to a different etiology (HDE) was observed in 13.68% of hypoglycemic children. Most HDE patients had a final diagnosis of ketotic hypoglycemia, whereas metabolic defects were a rare (1.49%) but nonnegligible etiologic cause. A severe triage code was more frequent in the HDE group (P < 0.001). Factors significantly and independently associated with HDE were impaired level of consciousness, assessed with the AVPU scale (A, alert; V, responding to verbal; P, responding to pain; U, unresponsive; adjusted odds ratio, 2.50; P = 0.025) and clinical onset within 12 hours (adjusted odds ratio, 3.98; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In a nonnegligible number of critically ill children, hypoglycemia can be detected. In a minority of cases, hypoglycemia was due to metabolic disorders that should be suspected on the basis of the severity of hypoglycemia, and the recent onset and the presence of neuroglycopenic symptoms.

Leucine zipper-EF-hand containing transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1) encodes an inner mitochondrial membrane protein with an osmoregulatory function controlling mitochondrial volume and ion homeostasis. The putative association of LETM1 with a human disease was initially suggested in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a disorder that results from de novo monoallelic deletion of chromosome 4p16.3, a region encompassing LETM1. Utilizing exome sequencing and international gene-matching efforts, we have identified 18 affected individuals from 11 unrelated families harboring ultra-rare bi-allelic missense and loss-of-function LETM1 variants and clinical presentations highly suggestive of mitochondrial disease. These manifested as a spectrum of predominantly infantile-onset (14/18, 78%) and variably progressive neurological, metabolic, and dysmorphic symptoms, plus multiple organ dysfunction associated with neurodegeneration. The common features included respiratory chain complex deficiencies (100%), global developmental delay (94%), optic atrophy (83%), sensorineural hearing loss (78%), and cerebellar ataxia (78%) followed by epilepsy (67%), spasticity (53%), and myopathy (50%). Other features included bilateral cataracts (42%), cardiomyopathy (36%), and diabetes (27%). To better understand the pathogenic mechanism of the identified LETM1 variants, we performed biochemical and morphological studies on mitochondrial K+/H+ exchange activity, proteins, and shape in proband-derived fibroblasts and muscles and in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is an important model organism for mitochondrial osmotic regulation. Our results demonstrate that bi-allelic LETM1 variants are associated with defective mitochondrial K+ efflux, swollen mitochondrial matrix structures, and loss of important mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation protein components, thus highlighting the implication of perturbed mitochondrial osmoregulation caused by LETM1 variants in neurological and mitochondrial pathologies. This research was supported using resources of the Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, a member of the Vienna Life-Science Instruments (VLSI) and the VetCore Facility (Imaging) of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. We acknowledge International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Diseases. This research was funded in part, by the Wellcome Trust (WT093205MA, WT104033AIA, and the Synaptopathies Strategic Award, 165908). This study was funded by the Medical Research Council (MR/S01165X/1, MR/S005021/1, G0601943), The National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Rosetrees Trust, Ataxia UK, Multiple System Atrophy Trust, Brain Research United Kingdom, Sparks Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, Muscular Dystrophy United Kingdom (MDUK), Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA USA) and Senior Non-Clinical Fellow ship to A. Spinazzola, (MC_PC_13029). K.N. and S.E.M.M. were supported by the Austrian Science Funds FWF-P29077 and P31471. A. Spinazzola receives support also from The Lily Foun dation and Brain Research UK. R.K. was supported by European Academy of Neurology Research Training Fellowship and Rosetrees Trust PhD Plus award (PhD2022\100042). info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background Glycogen storage disease type XII is a rare metabolic disease resulting from Aldolase A deficiency that causes muscle glycogen accumulation, with crisis of rhabdomyolysis and hemolytic anemia. In the very few cases described, rhabdomyolysis crises are caused by fever and/or exercise and can accompany acute hemolytic anemia. Although currently there is no therapy available for this disease, the guidelines for the management of other forms of glycogen storage diseases recommend a nutritional therapy in order to avoid hypoglycemia or prevent exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis. Case presentation In this case report we describe a new phenotype of the disease in a 14-year-old boy, characterized by seizures and rhabdomyolysis. Beside an antiepileptic treatment, we propose a new therapeutic approach based on ketogenic diet in order to supply an energetic substrate for skeletal muscle and neurons. Conclusions The anti-epileptic therapy and the dietetic approach were well tolerated by the patient who showed good compliance. This led to a deceleration of the disease with no other acute episodes of seizures and rhabdomyolysis, without any side effects observed.

Wolman Disease (WD) is a severe multi-system metabolic disease due to lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) deficiency. We report on a WD infant who developed an unusual hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) phenotype related to WD treated with sebelipase alfa. A male baby came to our attention at six months of life for respiratory insufficiency and sepsis, abdominal distension, severe hepatosplenomegaly, diarrhea, and severe growth retardation. HLH was diagnosed and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids, cyclosporine, broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, and finally with the anti-IL-6 drug tocilizumab. WD was suspected for the presence of adrenal calcifications and it was confirmed by LAL enzyme activity and by molecular analysis of LIPA. Plasma oxysterols cholestan-3β,5α,6β-triol (C-triol), and 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC) were markedly increased. Sebelipase alfa was started with progressive amelioration of biochemical and clinical features. The child died from sepsis, 2 months after sebelipase discontinuation requested by parents. Our case shows the importance of an early diagnosis of WD and confirms the difficulty to reach a diagnosis in the HLH phenotype. Sebelipase alpha is an effective treatment for LAL deficiency, also in children affected by WD. Further data are necessary to confirm the utility of measuring plasma c-triol as a biochemical marker of the disease.

8 páginas, 2 figuras., In 2015-2016, we and others reported ALDH18A1 mutations causing dominant (SPG9A) or recessive (SPG9B) spastic paraplegia. In vitro production of the ALDH18A1 product, Δ1 -pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), appeared necessary for cracking SPG9 disease-causing mechanisms. We now describe a baculovirus-insect cell system that yields mgs of pure human P5CS and that has proven highly valuable with two novel P5CS mutations reported here in new SPG9B patients. We conclude that both mutations are disease-causing, that SPG9B associates with partial P5CS deficiency and that it is clinically more severe than SPG9A, as reflected in onset age, disability, cognitive status, growth, and dysmorphic traits, Whole‐exome sequencing analysis was funded by a “Fondazione del Monte” grant to Professor MS for clinical exome sequencing applied to the diagnosis of ultrarare/orphan inherited diseases. The Genetic Bank (Biobanca del Laboratorio di Genetica Umana IRCCS Gaslini), member of the Network Telethon of Genetic Biobanks (Project No. GTB12001), funded by Telethon Italy, provided us with specimens. VR was supported by grants of the Fundación Inocente Inocente and of the Spanish Government (MINECO BFU2017‐84264‐P).

Patients with hereditary fructose intolerance need to follow a life-long fructose dietary and drug restriction to prevent symptoms of intoxication. Concerns about vaccines administration have been manifested overtime, for the risk of a life-threatening acute intoxication. For this reason, at Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù we performed a deepen research from open sources, datasheets and Pharmaceutical Companies informations from the most common Italian and European vaccines, which are carried out in infancy and childhood. As a safe threshold of 2.4 mg/kg/dose was recently established for oral and parenteral (other than i.v.) route, the manuscript clarifies the safe administration of majority of vaccines in patients with hereditary fructose intolerance.

Methylcitric acid (MCA) analysis has been mainly utilized for the diagnosis of propionate disorders or as a second-tier test in newborn screening, but its utility for patients monitoring still needs to be established. We explored the potential contribution of MCA in the long-term management of organic acidurias. We prospectively evaluated plasma MCA and its relationship with disease biomarkers, clinical status, and disease burden in 22 patients, 13 with propionic acidemia (PA) and nine with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) on standard treatment and/or after transplantation. Samples were collected at scheduled routine controls or during episodes of metabolic decompensation (MD), 10 patients were evaluated after transplantation (six liver, two combined liver and kidney, 2 kidney). MCA levels were higher in PA compared to MMA and its levels were not influenced by the clinical status (MD vs well state). In MMA, MCA was higher in elder patients and, along with fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and plasma methylmalonic acid, negatively correlated with GFR. In both diseases, MCA correlated with ammonia, glycine, lysine, C3, and the C3/C2, C3/C16 ratios. The disease burden showed a direct correlation with MCA and FGF21, for both diseases. All transplanted patients showed a significant reduction of MCA in comparison to baseline values, with some differences dependent on the type of transplantation. Our study provided new insights in understanding the disease pathophysiology, showing similarities between MCA and FGF21 in predicting disease burden, long-term complications and in evaluating the impact of organ transplantation.

Objectives Congenital disorders of N-glycosylation (CDG) are a large group of rare metabolic disorders caused by defects in the most common post-translational modification of proteins. CDGs are often difficult to diagnose as they are manifested with non-specific symptoms and signs. Analysis of serum transferrin (TRF) isoforms, as the classical procedure used to identify a CDG patient, enables to predict pathological steps in the N-linked glycosylation process. Methods We devised a new strategy based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for the analysis of TRF isoforms by combining a simple and fast sample preparation with a specific chromatographic cleanup/separation step followed by mass-spectrometric measurement. Single TRF isoform masses were obtained through reconstruction of multiply charged electrospray data collected by quadrupole-MS technology. Hereby, we report the first analyzed serum samples obtained from 20 CDG patients and 100 controls. Results The ratio of desialylated isoforms to total TRF was calculated for patients and controls. CDG-Type I patients showed higher amounts of bi-sialo isoform (range: 6.7–29.6%) compared to controls ( Conclusions This LC-MS-based approach provides a simple, sensitive and fast analytical tool for characterizing CDG disorders in a routine clinical biochemistry while improving diagnostic accuracy and speeding clinical decision-making.

Background Infantile cholestasis (IC) is defined as an impairment of bile production or flow occurring in the first months of life. The diagnostic approach in IC is challenging since the differential diagnosis is broad. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 91 cholestatic infants referred to our department from 2014 to 2019. Patients with cholestasis underwent a complete IC diagnostic work-up including quantification of plasma oxysterols 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC) and cholestan-3β,5α,6β-triol (C-Triol). Results Oxysterols concentrations were mildly elevated in IC compared to control population. 7-KC and C-Triol plasma levels presented a linear relationship between them and with Spleen-Z score. Patients with NP-C showed the highest concentrations of both oxysterols compared with other etiologies of IC. Excluding NP-C patients, oxysterols concentrations were similar among all other etiological groups with no correlations found between them and the levels of cholesterol and bilirubin. ROC analysis identified AUCs of 1.0 for both oxysterols in predicting NP-C. Conclusion Infants with IC should undergo a stepwise evaluation in which detailed clinical and deep analytical assessments are the main crossroads. Plasma oxysterols, a simple, reliable, and convenient diagnostic test should be included in the first steps of the diagnostic process in IC.