Screening and genetic variation analysis of fatty acid oxidation disorder in neonates in Qingdao City

Scritto il 17/08/2026
da Jin-Feng Lyu

Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi. 2026 Aug 15;28(8):941-946. doi: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2506067.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence, genetic mutation characteristics, and prognosis of fatty acid oxidation disorder (FAOD) in neonates in Qingdao.

METHODS: Clinical data of neonates diagnosed with FAOD from 2014 to 2023 at the Qingdao Neonatal Disease Screening Center were collected and analyzed to determine the incidence, genotype, and prognosis.

RESULTS: Among 562 225 neonates screened, 42 were diagnosed with FAOD across six types, yielding an overall incidence of 1/13 386. Primary carnitine deficiency was the most common (20 cases, 48%), with one case showing growth retardation during follow-up. Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency was identified in 6 cases, all of whom demonstrated normal development during follow-up. Short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency was diagnosed in 5 cases, with one case exhibiting skin erythema, papules, scaling, and dryness during follow-up. Very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency was diagnosed in 5 cases; during follow-up, one patient died and another experienced recurrent rhabdomyolysis. Short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency was found in 4 cases, with one case showing language regression during follow-up. Multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency was detected in 2 cases; during follow-up, one patient died and one exhibited delayed motor development. Genetic testing performed on 37 of the 42 patients with FAOD identified a hotspot mutation, c.1400C>G, in the SLC22A5 gene among those with primary carnitine deficiency, whereas no predominant hotspot mutations were detected in other FAOD subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS: In Qingdao, primary carnitine deficiency is the most prevalent subtypes of FAOD in neonates, characterized by the hotspot mutation c.1400C>G in the SLC22A5 gene. Except for very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency and multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, most children with other FAOD subtypes have a favorable prognosis.

PMID:42608300 | DOI:10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2506067