Fatty acid oxidation disorders: maternal health and neonatal outcomes

SummaryMitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) disorders have become an important group of inherited metabolic disorders causing serious pediatric and maternal morbidity and mortality. More than 20 defects affecting β-oxidation have been discovered, characterized by distinct enzyme or transporter deficiencies. This growing number of FAO disorders covers a wide spectrum of phenotypes and are characterized by a wide array of clinical presentations. We discuss the major mitochondrial FAO disorders and the impact they have on maternal health and neonatal outcomes; diagnostic tools and the value of genetic screening are reviewed; and current therapeutic approaches and management strategies are discussed.