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eMedicine Journal > Pediatrics > Genetics And Metabolic Disease
Methylmalonic Acidemia

Synonyms, Key Words, and Related Terms: methylmalonic acidemia, methylmalonic aciduria, MMA, methylmalonic acid
Author Information | Introduction | Clinical | Differentials | Workup | Treatment | Medication | Follow-up | Miscellaneous | Test Questions | Bibliography

AUTHOR INFORMATION Section 1 of 11    Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Authored by Olaf A Bodamer, MD, PhD, FACMG, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Vienna Children's Hospital, Vienna, Austria

Coauthored by Brendan Lee, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine

Olaf A Bodamer, MD, PhD, FACMG, is a member of the following medical societies: American Society of Human Genetics, and British Biochemical Society

Edited by Christian J Renner, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Erlangen, Germany; Mary L Windle, PharmD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine.com, Inc; Leonard G Feld, MD, PhD, MMM, Chairman of Pediatrics, Carolinas Medical Center; Chief Medical Officer, Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Healthcare System; Paul D Petry, DO, FACOP, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of North Dakota, School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Consulting Staff, Altru Health System; and Bruce A Buehler, MD, Professor, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Director, Hattie B Munroe Center for Human Genetics, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Author's Email:Olaf A Bodamer, MD, PhD, FACMGClick here to view conflict-of-interest information on the author of this topic
Editor's Email:Christian J Renner, MD 

eMedicine Journal, April 25 2006, VOLUME 7, Number 4
INTRODUCTION Section 2 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Background: In 1967, Oberholzer et al and Stokke et al, respectively, reported the first patients with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA). Clinical and genetic heterogeneity became evident very early when some patients responded to pharmacological doses of cobalamin (vitamin B-12), while other patients did not.

MMA encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders that are characterized by accumulation of methylmalonic acid and its by-products in biological fluids. These disorders are due to a deficiency of the adenosylcobalamin-dependent enzyme methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (apoenzyme deficiency), a defect in intracellular cobalamin metabolism (coenzyme deficiency), transcobalamin II deficiency, intrinsic factor deficiency, or dietary cobalamin deficiency, which is found in vegetarians. A subset of children with defects of intracellular cobalamin metabolism also may have simultaneous homocystinuria. In addition, transient MMA can be detected in otherwise healthy infants.

In the context of this review, MMA refers to disorders resulting in methylmalonyl-CoA mutase deficiency and disorders of intracellular cobalamin metabolism.

Pathophysiology: Adenosylcobalamin-dependent methylmalonyl-CoA mutase is an enzyme that catalyses the isomerization of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA. Succinyl-CoA subsequently enters the tricarboxylic acid cycle where it is converted to pyruvate. Methylmalonyl-CoA is derived from propionyl-CoA by the action of propionyl-CoA carboxylase, the enzyme that is deficient in patients with propionic acidemia (see Propionic Acidemia). Propionyl-CoA is formed through the catabolism of isoleucine, valine, threonine, methionine, thymine, uracil, cholesterol, or odd-chain fatty acids. Gut bacteria may generate a significant amount of propionyl-CoA.

Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase is a dimer of identical subunits to which adenosylcobalamin is tightly bound. The complimentary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase has been cloned and its genomic structure delineated. The gene is mapped to 6p12. Mutations in this gene have been reported to cause MMA. Adenosylcobalamin is an essential cofactor of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. Complementation studies revealed the presence of at least 8 different complementation groups (mut0, mut-, cblA, cblB, cblC, cblD, cblF, cblH) causing MMA. In the mut0 group, mutase activity in fibroblasts is undetectable, whereas fibroblasts of the mut- group show some residual mutase activity. CblA, cblB, and cblH are defects in the pathway of adenosylcobalamin synthesis. CblC and cblD are defects in the common pathway of cobalamin reduction, leading to combined MMA and homocystinuria, secondary to impaired adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin formation. CblF is caused by impaired lysosomal cobalamin transport. The molecular basis for all complementation groups, except for cblF and cblH, is not presently known. The gene for cblC has been recently identified. All genetic forms of MMA are inherited as autosomal recessive traits.

Frequency:

Mortality/Morbidity: All children with genetic forms of MMA are at risk of metabolic decompensation with increased morbidity and mortality. The risk is greater for mut0 and mut- forms of MMA compared with cobalamin-responsive forms. Newborns and infants with mut0 or mut- forms of MMA may die early, before a diagnosis can be reached.

Race: MMA is prevalent in populations with increased rates of consanguinity but has been reported in all ethnic groups.

Sex: No sex predilection exists.

Age: The mut0 and mut- forms of MMA typically present during the newborn period and early infancy, respectively.

CblA, cblB, cblC, and cblH forms of MMA typically present during early infancy. MMA forms CblD and cblF typically present during later infancy or childhood. On occasion, the cblC form of MMA may present during childhood and/or adolescence.

Theoretically, neonatal screening via tandem mass spectrometry should reveal all genetic forms of MMA. Recent reports have shown that this may not be true for some forms of MMA, such as cblC.
CLINICAL Section 3 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

History:

Physical:

DIFFERENTIALS Section 4 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Acidosis, Metabolic
Maple Syrup Urine Disease
Propionic Acidemia (Propionyl CoA Carboxylase Deficiency)


Other Problems to be Considered:

Urea cycle defects

WORKUP Section 5 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Lab Studies:

Imaging Studies:

TREATMENT Section 6 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Medical Care: Infants and children with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) are at increased risk for metabolic decompensation particularly during episodes of increased catabolism (eg, intercurrent infections, trauma, surgery, psychosocial stress). During these episodes, provide treatment that is swift and directed towards reversing catabolism and promoting anabolism.

Surgical Care:

Diet:

Activity: Do not restrict activity.
MEDICATION Section 7 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Drug Category: Vitamins and cofactors -- In patients with cobalamin-responsive MMA, cobalamin therapy improves methylmalonyl-CoA mutase activity significantly to the extent that metabolic control becomes easier and the risk of complications is reduced. Patients with MMA are treated with L-carnitine to remove excess toxic acylcarnitine species from the mitochondria. This detoxification is particularly important at diagnosis and during episodes of metabolic decompensation. If necessary, doses can be increased and/or administered by a parenteral route. Additional nonspecific therapy with betaine and folate potentially reduces plasma homocysteine levels.
Drug Name
Hydroxocobalamin (Cyanokit, Hydro Cobex, Hydro-Crysti-12, LA-12) -- DOC in France and Scandinavia. Hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B-12a) is an analog of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B-12). It is more highly protein bound and is retained in the body longer than cyanocobalamin. Combines with cyanide to form nontoxic cyanocobalamin (vitamin B-12). Patients with MMA potentially are responsive to cobalamin. Once patients are diagnosed, administer 1 mg/d hydroxocobalamin IM until complementation analysis confirms the definitive diagnosis.
Adult DoseHydroxocobalamin: 1-3 mg/d IM
Cyanocobalamin: 1 mg PO qd
Pediatric DoseAdminister as in adults; a trial of cyanocobalamin PO can be undertaken provided the patient is metabolically stable; after switching to cyanocobalamin PO, closely monitor plasma MMA and/or homocysteine levels; restart hydroxocobalamin IM if no response is demonstrated or biochemical deterioration is noted
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; hereditary optic nerve atrophy
InteractionsDecreased absorption of cyanocobalamin from GI tract with coadministration of aminoglycosides, colchicine, extended release potassium products, aminosalicylic acid, phenytoin, and phenobarbital; chemical degradation of cyanocobalamin creates large amounts of ascorbic acid
Pregnancy A - Safe in pregnancy
PrecautionsSevere hypokalemia may result in vitamin B-12–megaloblastic anemia (may be fatal) due to increased cellular potassium requirements when anemia corrects; transient (4-5 d) red discoloration of mucous membranes, plasma, and urine may develop
Drug Name
Levocarnitine (Carnitor) -- An amino acid derivative, synthesized from methionine and lysine, required in energy metabolism. Modulates intracellular coenzyme A homeostasis and is required to buffer toxic acyl-CoA compounds within the mitochondria.
Adult Dose100-300 mg/kg/d PO/IV divided tid
Pediatric DoseAdminister as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity
InteractionsNone reported
Pregnancy B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
PrecautionsMonitor blood chemistries, plasma carnitine concentrations, vital signs, and overall clinical condition of the patient; nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea may develop
Drug Name
Folate (Folvite) -- Important cofactor for enzymes used in production of red blood cells.
Adult Dose1 mg/d PO/IM/SC qd initially; 0.5 mg/d maintenance
Pediatric DoseInfants: 15 mcg/kg/d PO/IV (50 mcg/d)
Children: 1 mg/d PO/IM/SC qd initially; 0.1-0.3 mg/d maintenance
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity
InteractionsIncrease in seizure frequency and a decrease in subtherapeutic levels of phenytoin reported when used concurrently
Pregnancy A - Safe in pregnancy
PrecautionsPregnancy category C if dose exceeds RDA; benzyl alcohol present in some products as preservative; has been associated with fatal gasping syndrome in premature infants; resistance to treatment may develop in patients with alcoholism and deficiencies of other vitamins
Drug Name
Betaine (Cystadane) -- Methyl group donor in remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. It is available as an orphan drug in the United States.
Adult Dose250 mg/kg/d PO divided bid
Pediatric Dose <3 years: 100 mg/kg/d PO divided bid
>3 years: Administer as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity
InteractionsNone reported
Pregnancy C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
PrecautionsMay cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastric distress
Drug Category: Antibiotics -- Empiric antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.
Drug Name
Metronidazole (Flagyl) -- Treatment of susceptible bacteria in the lower GI tract reduces propionate production. Propionate is an important precursor of methylmalonic acid. Limited trial (1-2 mo) is warranted when metabolic control is difficult with carnitine, cobalamin, and dietary therapy.
Adult Dose250-500 mg PO q8h
Pediatric Dose10-20 mg/kg/d PO divided q8h
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; first trimester of pregnancy
InteractionsCimetidine may increase toxicity of metronidazole; may increase effects of anticoagulants; may increase toxicity of lithium and phenytoin; disulfiramlike reaction may occur with orally ingested ethanol
Pregnancy C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
PrecautionsDo not use in first trimester of pregnancy; adjust dose in hepatic disease; monitor for seizures and development of peripheral neuropathy
Drug Name
Neomycin (Mycifradin) -- Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis and growth.
Adult DoseAdults: 500-2000 mg PO q6-8h
Pediatric Dose50 mg/kg PO divided tid
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; intestinal obstruction
InteractionsCoadministration with other aminoglycosides, penicillins, cephalosporins, and amphotericin B increases nephrotoxicity; enhances effects of neuromuscular blocking agents; causes respiratory depression; irreversible hearing loss may develop with coadministration of loop diuretics
Pregnancy D - Unsafe in pregnancy
PrecautionsNot intended for long-term therapy; caution in patients with renal failure (not on dialysis), hypocalcemia, myasthenia gravis, and conditions that depress neuromuscular transmission
FOLLOW-UP Section 8 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Further Outpatient Care:

In/Out Patient Meds:

Transfer:

Prognosis:

Patient Education:

MISCELLANEOUS Section 9 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Medical/Legal Pitfalls:

TEST QUESTIONS Section 10 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

CME Question 1: A 7-day-old male infant presents with feeding difficulties, muscular hypotonia, and increasing lethargy. Laboratory studies reveal metabolic acidosis with increased anion gap, a moderately elevated plasma lactate level, a moderately elevated plasma ammonium level, and a blood glucose level within the reference range. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?


A: Organic aciduria (eg, methylmalonic acidemia [MMA], propionic acidemia)
B: Urea cycle defect
C: Fatty acid oxidation defect
D: Sepsis
E: Phenylketonuria

The correct answer is A: Although sepsis should be ruled out, the most likely diagnosis in this infant is an organic aciduria. Patients with fatty acid oxidation defects typically present with hypoglycemia; patients with urea cycle defects typically present with much higher plasma ammonium concentrations and metabolic alkalosis. Infants with phenylketonuria should be diagnosed by newborn screening.

CME Question 2: Which of the following is not introduced in treatment for patients with the cblC form of methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), ie, combined homocystinuria and methylmalonic aciduria?


A: Hydroxocobalamin
B: Carnitine
C: Biotin
D: Protein restriction
E: Betaine

The correct answer is C: Hydroxocobalamin is the mainstay of the treatment for patients with the cblC form of MMA. The intake of carnitine reduces the accumulation of acylcarnitine species in the mitochondria. Protein restriction reduces the amount of isoleucine, valine, threonine, and methionine metabolized by methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and, thereby, the accumulation of methylmalonic acid. Betaine reduces plasma homocysteine levels.

Pearl Question 1 (T/F): The most common age of individuals who present with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) mut- is older than 5 years.

The correct answer is False: Most patients with MMA mut- present in the neonatal period and during early infancy.

Pearl Question 2 (T/F): Patients with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) are at risk of metabolic decompensation during episodes of increased catabolism (eg, infections, trauma, surgery, psychosocial stress).

The correct answer is True: Infants and children with MMA are at increased risk for metabolic decompensation, particularly during episodes of increased catabolism (eg, intercurrent infections, trauma, surgery, psychosocial stress). During these episodes, provide treatment that is swift and directed towards reversing catabolism and promoting anabolism.

Pearl Question 3 (T/F): All forms of methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) are inherited as autosomal recessive traits.

The correct answer is True: All forms of MMA are inherited as autosomal recessive traits. The recurrence risk for future pregnancies is 25%; therefore, prenatal diagnosis is warranted.

Pearl Question 4 (T/F): Liver transplantation in patients with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) has corrected the metabolic phenotype but has had no effect on neurological complications.

The correct answer is True: Several successful liver transplantations in children with MMA have been reported. Although the metabolic phenotype has been corrected, the neurological complications have not been corrected, and some children actually developed a movement disorder following transplantation.
BIBLIOGRAPHY Section 11 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page

NOTE:
Medicine is a constantly changing science and not all therapies are clearly established. New research changes drug and treatment therapies daily. The authors, editors, and publisher of this journal have used their best efforts to provide information that is up-to-date and accurate and is generally accepted within medical standards at the time of publication. However, as medical science is constantly changing and human error is always possible, the authors, editors, and publisher or any other party involved with the publication of this article do not warrant the information in this article is accurate or complete, nor are they responsible for omissions or errors in the article or for the results of using this information. The reader should confirm the information in this article from other sources prior to use. In particular, all drug doses, indications, and contraindications should be confirmed in the package insert. FULL DISCLAIMER
eMedicine Journal, April 25 2006, VOLUME 7, Number 4
© Copyright 2001, eMedicine.com, Inc.

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