Disorders of Metabolism with Dr. Deb Regier (Part 2)
Oct 21, 2024
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In this discussion, Debra Regier, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of Genetics and Metabolism at Children's National Hospital, dives into the complexities of metabolic disorders. She explains how triglycerides convert to energy and the critical roles of carnitine and fatty acid oxidation. The podcast highlights the importance of recognizing unusual smells in diagnosing conditions like maple syrup urine disease. Dr. Regier also emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach in managing these disorders, particularly in pediatric care, addressing the unique challenges families face.
Fatty acid oxidation disorders can cause severe metabolic issues due to ineffective fat breakdown, leading to complications like hypoglycemia and muscle damage.
Management of these disorders requires careful glucose administration to mitigate crises while monitoring potential cardiac risks and associated symptoms.
Deep dives
Understanding Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders
Fatty acid oxidation disorders, characterized by the inability to effectively break down fats for energy, can lead to significant metabolic complications. The process involves enzymes and transporters like carnitine and CPT1/CPT2 that allow fatty acids to enter mitochondria for beta oxidation. When these systems fail, patients struggle to produce ATP from fats, resulting in increased reliance on carbohydrates and proteins, which can lead to hypoglycemia and muscle breakdown. Additionally, the disruption of fat metabolism can prevent the formation of ketones, which are crucial for brain energy, leading to further complications like rhabdomyolysis and cardiomyopathy.
Clinical Management of Patients with Metabolic Disorders
The treatment for patients with fatty acid oxidation disorders often revolves around managing glucose levels to reverse the metabolic crisis. Administering glucose can help address hypoglycemia and, in many cases, provide immediate symptomatic relief. However, this creates a balancing act in cases where patients also present with cardiomyopathy, as high-volume glucose infusions can exacerbate heart issues. Clinicians must carefully monitor these patients in an intensive care setting to determine appropriate volumes and rates of glucose infusion while also considering additional interventions to manage associated muscle pain or shock.
Diagnosis and Laboratory Evaluation in Metabolic Emergencies
In the event of suspected metabolic disorders, especially in pediatric patients, a targeted laboratory evaluation is essential. An acylcarnitine profile can provide valuable insights into fatty acid metabolism, alongside checks for plasma amino acids and ammonia levels to rule out other conditions. Clinicians should prioritize tests like lactate and creatine kinase (CK) to help assess the severity of muscle involvement and determine the need for immediate intervention. The approach should also include a comprehensive understanding of the patient's medical history and potential prior surgical interventions to effectively guide diagnosis and treatment.
Debra Regier, M.D., Ph.D., is the chief of Genetics and Metabolism at Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC. Before transitioning to clinical medicine, Dr. Regier was a biochemist. She came to CNH as a combined pediatric genetics resident and later completed a metabolic fellowship at NIH and served as Children's National's medical genetics program director.
Dr. Regier’s current work in educational outcomes research has led to federal, industry, and philanthropic funding of almost two million dollars. She has received multiple awards for her impact on rare disease education across the country and is the president-elect of the Society of Inherited Metabolic Disorders.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this podcast, listeners should be able to:
1. List the three main metabolic pathways and describe how they work together to make ATP
2. Describe the science behind the main diagnostic tests for inborn errors of metabolism
3. Explain the presenting symptoms and initial management of common, life-threatening inborn errors of metabolism.
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Thank you for listening to this episode of PedsCrit. Please remember that all content during this episode is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used as medical advice. The views expressed during this episode by hosts and our guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of their institutions. If you have any comments, suggestions, or feedback-you can email us at pedscritpodcast@gmail.com. Check out http://www.pedscrit.comfor detailed show notes. And visit @critpeds on twitter and @pedscrit on instagram for real time show updates.
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