Characterization of the molecular spectrum of Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency in a Greek newborns cohort: Identification of a novel variant

ObjectivesThe purpose of the current study was to screen newborns in Greece and to identify the responsible mutations for Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MCADD).Design and methods47.812 neonates were screened for the potential presence of MCADD in Greece, via a LC–MS/MS protocol. The “suspected” samples were subjected to genetic testing via PCR–RFLP and sequencing of the coding region of the ACADM gene. Urine samples were collected and then analyzed with a GC/MS method.ResultsThe MCADD prevalence is 1 in 15,937 births. The alleles c.985A > G and c.245insT were detected in the 29.2% and 20.8% of the “suspected” cohort, respectively. A novel variant with potential pathogenicity was identified.ConclusionsThe c.245insT allele seems to prevail in the Greek cohort of “suspected” specimens. Therefore, this variant along with the c.985A > G allele could constitute a panel for both prenatal and neonatal MCADD screening in the Greek population.

► Determination of MCADD prevalence in the Greek population ► The predominant disease causing alleles have been revealed. ► The c.245insT allele, seems to prevail in the Greek cohort of “suspected” specimens. ► A novel variant with potential pathogenicity was also identified.