Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
the deficiency of 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) constitutes a rare and severe metabolic disease and is included in most expanded newborn screening (NBS) programs worldwide. Patients with severe MTHFR deficiency develop neurological disorders and premature vascular disease. Timely diagnosis through NBS allows early treatment, resulting in improved outcomes.Methods
we report the diagnostic yield of genetic testing for MTHFR deficiency diagnosis, in a reference Centre of Southern Italy between 2017 and 2022. MTHFR deficiency was suspected in four newborns showing hypomethioninemia and hyperhomocysteinemia; otherwise, one patient born in pre-screening era showed clinical symptoms and laboratory signs that prompted to perform genetic testing for MTHFR deficiency.Results
molecular analysis of the MTHFR gene revealed a genotype compatible with MTHFR deficiency in two NBS-positive newborns and in the symptomatic patient. This allowed for promptly beginning the adequate metabolic therapy.Conclusions
our results strongly support the need for genetic testing to quickly support the definitive diagnosis of MTHFR deficiency and start therapy. Furthermore, our study extends knowledge of the molecular epidemiology of MTHFR deficiency by identifying a novel mutation in the MTHFR gene.
SUBMITTER: Barretta F
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10218448 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Barretta Ferdinando F Uomo Fabiana F Fecarotta Simona S Albano Lucia L Crisci Daniela D Verde Alessandra A Fisco Maria Grazia MG Gallo Giovanna G Dottore Stagna Daniela D Pricolo Maria Rosaria MR Alagia Marianna M Terrone Gaetano G Rossi Alessandro A Parenti Giancarlo G Ruoppolo Margherita M Mazzaccara Cristina C Frisso Giulia G
Genes 20230426 5
<h4>Background</h4>the deficiency of 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) constitutes a rare and severe metabolic disease and is included in most expanded newborn screening (NBS) programs worldwide. Patients with severe MTHFR deficiency develop neurological disorders and premature vascular disease. Timely diagnosis through NBS allows early treatment, resulting in improved outcomes.<h4>Methods</h4>we report the diagnostic yield of genetic testing for MTHFR deficiency diagnosis, in a r ...[more]