Question: What is (are) very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency ?
Answer: Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency is a condition that prevents the body from converting certain fats to energy, particularly during periods without food (fasting). Signs and symptoms of VLCAD deficiency typically appear during infancy or early childhood and can include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), lack of energy (lethargy), and muscle weakness. Affected individuals are also at risk for serious complications such as liver abnormalities and life-threatening heart problems. When symptoms begin in adolescence or adulthood, they tend to be milder and usually do not involve the heart. Problems related to VLCAD deficiency can be triggered by periods of fasting, illness, and exercise. This disorder is sometimes mistaken for Reye syndrome, a severe disorder that may develop in children while they appear to be recovering from viral infections such as chicken pox or flu. Most cases of Reye syndrome are associated with the use of aspirin during these viral infections.
Source: GHR

Question: How many people are affected by very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency ?
Answer: VLCAD deficiency is estimated to affect 1 in 40,000 to 120,000 people.
Source: GHR

Question: Is very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency inherited ?
Answer: This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.
Source: GHR

Question: What are the treatments for very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency ?
Answer: These resources address the diagnosis or management of VLCAD deficiency: - Baby's First Test - Gene Review: Gene Review: Very Long-Chain Acyl-Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase Deficiency - Genetic Testing Registry: Very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency - MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Newborn Screening Tests These resources from MedlinePlus offer information about the diagnosis and management of various health conditions: - Diagnostic Tests - Drug Therapy - Surgery and Rehabilitation - Genetic Counseling - Palliative Care
Source: GHR