About Fatty-Acid Oxidation Disorders
Fatty-Acid Oxidation Disorders are a group of metabolic disorders where the body's ability to break down fatty acids is impaired.(1) As a result patients are not able to have a source of long term energy. As a results patients most often will supplement glucose as a source of short term energy that can be administestered when needed
In order to diagnose fatty-acid oxidation disorders blood samples must be sent to a lab to conduct a series of tests using a tandem mass spectrometer. Once the samples are analyzed, results are then printed and examined for any irregularities. If any irregularities are found then the patients doctor and parents are notified, and the results are then reanalyzed to ensure accurate results.
Types of FODs
Short Chain Acetyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SCADD)
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Medium Chain Acetyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MCADD)
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Long Chain 3-Hydroxyl Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (LCHAD)
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Very Long Chain Acetyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (VLCAD)