Some of these amino acids are involved in a variety of the disorders included in this screening. Treatment is with a special diet and special medications. Some of the other disorders are caused by buildup in the body of organic acids which can be toxic. Vomiting, with loss of body fluids and salts, can lead to coma and death if untreated. Symptoms may begin as early as a few days after birth or not until months later.
Treatment usually consists of a special diet and special medications.
We really do not know how many Massachusetts babies have these 19 disorders. By doing this test, we estimate that we will detect 4-6 Massachusetts babies each year. The study will find out how often these disorders occur in the Massachusetts population, and whether the technology is useful. No extra blood will be taken from your baby. Two types of natural chemicals, called amino acids and acyl carnitines, will be measured in your baby's blood.