A retrospective study of small molecule disorder types of metabolism in paediatric patients in intensive care.

BACKGROUND

Although inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are rare individually, collectively IEM cause substantial morbidity and mortality and the diagnosis is challenging.

AIMS

To analyse epidemiological and clinical data, final diagnosis and clinical outcomes of patients with a suspected diagnosis of IEM (small molecule disorders type) admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

METHODS

We collected and analysed medical records data of all patients admitted to the PICU at Alexandria University Children's Hospital, from January 2010 to December 2014, with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of small molecule disorders, including clinical presentations, laboratory results and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 34 patients had a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of small molecule disorders at PICU admission. Diagnosis was confirmed in 22.7% of suspected cases at admission and in 25% of suspected cases during PICU stay. Consanguineous marriage was found in 50% of cases with confirmed small molecule disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

A high index of suspicion is important for diagnosing and categorizing small molecule disorders in screening of high-risk individuals in low- and middle-income countries.