Additional findings_Adult

Gene: ACADM

Green List (high evidence)

ACADM (acyl-CoA dehydrogenase medium chain)
EnsemblGeneIds (GRCh38): ENSG00000117054
EnsemblGeneIds (GRCh37): ENSG00000117054
OMIM: 607008, Gene2Phenotype
ACADM is in 15 panels

1 review

Zornitza Stark (Victorian Clinical Genetics Services; Australian Genomics)

Green List (high evidence)

An individual with MCAD deficiency is at risk of metabolic decompensation when their energy needs are not met with exogenous sources and have to rely on stored fat, such as during prolonged fasting or periods of higher energy demand. Clinical symptoms in a previously apparently healthy individual with MCAD deficiency include hypoketotic hypoglycemia and nausea or vomiting that may progress to lethargy, seizures, coma, and even sudden death. Symptoms may be triggered by a common illness, fasting, excessive drug or alcohol intake, diarrhea, or vomiting and can progress to seizures or coma within 1-2 hours of onset; on occasion, seizures or coma may be the presenting sign. Hepatomegaly and liver disease are often present during an acute episode. Uncontrolled metabolic decompensation can increase the risk of neurological findings secondary to brain injury (e.g. loss of developmental milestones) and chronic muscular weakness.

Late-onset presentations have been described in adults after prolonged fasting, including after fasting for surgery, or with alcohol intoxication, often with fatal results.

The mainstay for prevention of primary manifestations in asymptomatic patients with MCAD deficiency is avoidance of prolonged fasting.

There is a risk of metabolic decompensation during surgery, particularly if catabolism is precipitated by fasting and surgery. It is important to minimize catabolism by providing adequate amounts of carbohydrate (orally or intravenously) prior to and during surgery.

Low-dose L-carnitine supplementation is recommended when carnitine levels are below the normal range. Individuals with MCAD deficiency may develop a secondary carnitine deficiency as excess medium chain fatty acids bind to free carnitine and are excreted.

Individuals should be provided with an emergency protocol/letter to carry at all times. They should be strongly advised to seek medical attention if the individual with MCAD deficiency has an acute illness accompanied by poor intake, vomiting, and/or lethargy. The letter should contain patient identifiers, description of the disorder, emergency treatment protocol, and contact information for the metabolic specialist.

Pregnant women should receive supplemental carnitine to account for reduced plasma free carnitine levels during pregnancy, though free carnitine may still not reach pre-pregnancy levels. Intravenous glucose should be started as soon as labour begins and continued until the patient has adequate oral intake and can maintain normoglycaemia.
Sources: Expert list
Created: 11 Apr 2025, 7:43 p.m.

Mode of inheritance
BIALLELIC, autosomal or pseudoautosomal

Phenotypes
Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, medium chain, deficiency of, MIM# 201450

History Filter Activity

11 Apr 2025, Gel status: 3

Entity classified by Genomics England curator

Zornitza Stark (Victorian Clinical Genetics Services; Australian Genomics)

Gene: acadm has been classified as Green List (High Evidence).

11 Apr 2025, Gel status: 3

Entity classified by Genomics England curator

Zornitza Stark (Victorian Clinical Genetics Services; Australian Genomics)

Gene: acadm has been classified as Green List (High Evidence).

11 Apr 2025, Gel status: 1

Created, Added New Source, Set mode of inheritance, Set Phenotypes

Zornitza Stark (Victorian Clinical Genetics Services; Australian Genomics)

gene: ACADM was added gene: ACADM was added to Additional findings_Adult. Sources: Expert list Mode of inheritance for gene: ACADM was set to BIALLELIC, autosomal or pseudoautosomal Phenotypes for gene: ACADM were set to Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, medium chain, deficiency of, MIM# 201450 Review for gene: ACADM was set to GREEN