Objective: To screen and diagnose fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAOD) in high risk children with inborn error of metabolism using tandem mass spectrometry.
Methods: The study group consisting of 2941 high risk cases of suspected inborn error of metabolism was tested. The acylcarnitines in the dry blood filter papers of patients were tested by tandem mass spectrometry. The diagnosis of FAOD was according to the levels of the acylcarnitines, the clinical symptoms, and other biochemistry study.
Results: Fourteen patients were diagnosed as FAOD. These patients included one carnitine palmitoyltransferase deficiency I, one carnitine palmitoyltransferase deficiency II, one short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, seven medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, two very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, and two multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
Conclusion: FAOD are not rare in China. Analysis of acylcarnitines levels tested by tandem mass spectrometry is helpful to diagnose FAOD.