What Your Test Results Mean:

Carriers are not expected to show symptoms. You and your partner or donor would both have to be carriers of glutaric acidemia type I for there to be an increased chance to have a child with symptoms; this is known as autosomal recessive inheritance. Carrier testing of your partner or donor is recommended in addition to consultation with a genetic counselor for a more detailed risk assessment.

Since this is an inherited gene change, this information may be helpful to share with family members as it may impact their family planning.

Disease Explained:

Glutaric acidemia type I is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by a missing enzyme, known as glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase. Without this enzyme, the body cannot break down the amino acids lysine and tryptophan. Symptoms vary widely; some individuals are only mildly affected, while others have severe problems. Affected individuals may present with metabolic crisis or low blood sugar, leading to severe vomiting and lethargy, seizures, and other complications in times of illness, fever, or fasting. If untreated, glutaric acidemia type I can lead to brain damage, intellectual disabilities, loss of motor skills, and death.

Prognosis:

With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment and management, prognosis is typically favorable. If left untreated or improperly managed, neurologic damage can be irreversible.

Treatment:

To avoid a metabolic crisis, affected individuals should avoid fasting and may be placed on a special diet. In the event of a metabolic crisis, affected individuals must undergo prompt and comprehensive emergency treatment. Diet and medications are typically managed by a metabolic physician and dietitian.