Selective newborn screening of inborn errors of amino acids, organic acids and fatty acids metabolism in the Kingdom of Bahrain

In this study the incidence of inborn errors of amino acids, organic acids and fatty acids oxidation disorders was investigated from the results of blood spot analysis of 1986 symptomatic children from 1st January 2008 to 31st of December 2011. Out of 1986 newborns screened 25 infants were diagnosed and confirmed with amino acids (n = 11), organic acids (n = 9) and fatty acids oxidation (n = 5) disorders. Overall incidences based on number of live birth between 2008 and 2011 inclusive were 1:6000, 1:8000 and 1:14,000 for amino acids, organic acids and fatty acids oxidation disorders; respectively. Out of 25 infants diagnosed, 21 were the children of first cousin marriages. Results from this study suggest high incidence of inborn errors of amino acids, organic acids and fatty acids oxidation metabolism in Bahrain and significant contribution of consanguinity in inherited metabolic disorders. Mandatory screening for inborn errors of metabolism in Bahrain is highly recommended.