Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD)
Introduction
MCADD is a rare genetic condition where a person has problems breaking down fat to use as an energy source.
This means that someone with MCADD can become very ill if their body's energy demands exceed their energy intake, such as during infections or vomiting illnesses when they're unable to eat.
Problems occur because fat is only partially broken down, which leads to a lack of energy and a build-up of harmful substances in the body
MCADD isa lifelong condition that's present from birth. It's estimated to affect up to1 in every 8,000 babies born in the UK and isusually picked up usingthe newborn blood spot test .
The full name for MCADD ismedium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
This page covers:
Screening and testing for MCADD
Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD)
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016
Introduction
MCADD is a rare genetic condition where a person has problems breaking down fat for energy. Read about the symptoms, causes and outlook.
Is MCADD serious?
MCADD is a potentially serious condition that can be life-threatening if not recognised quicklyand treated appropriately. However, most cases are picked up soon after birth and can be managed quite e
Symptoms of MCADD
If someone with MCADD becomes unwell and is unable to eat or tolerate food, they may experience the following symptoms: appearing unusually tired and sluggish being sick excessive sweating rapid
What causes MCADD?
MCADD is caused bya fault in the gene that provides the instructionsto make anenzyme called medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD). This genetic faultcausesthe enzymeto either not work properly o
How MCADD is inherited
A child will onlybe born withMCADD ifthey inherit a copyof the faulty gene that causesit from both of theirparents. The parents won't normallyhave thecondition themselves because they usually only ha
How MCADD is treated
There's nospecific treatmentfor MCADD.A specialist care teamwill give you advice about how tolook after your child and support them as they get older. Children and adults with MCADD can eat a normal
Information about you
If you or your child haveMCADD, your clinical team will pass information about you/them on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists l
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