Metabolic studies in a patient with severe carnitine palmitoyltransferase type II deficiency

Clin Chim Acta. 1998 May 25;273(2):161-70. doi: 10.1016/s0009-8981(98)00041-2.

Abstract

Here we report on a patient with severe ("non-classic") carnitine palmitoyltransferase type II (CPT II) deficiency. Hypoglycemia prompted by an infectious episode and associated with non-ketotic dicarboxylic aciduria orientated diagnosis towards beta-oxidation deficiency disorders. Blood carnitine levels revealed a secondary carnitine deficiency that was responsive to oral L-carnitine supplementation. Blood acylcarnitine profiles were abnormal and included acetyl (C2:0), butyryl/isobutyryl (C4:0), isovaleryl/2-methylbutyryl (C5:0), hexanoyl (C6:0), myristoyl (C14:0), palmitoyl (C16:0), hexadecenoyl (C16:1), oleyl (C18:1) and stearoyl (C18:0) carnitine. In urine, excess excretion of dicarboxylylcarnitines, mainly dodecanedioylcarnitine, was noticed. Upon carnitine supplementation, C8 to C12 fatty acylcarnitines, with decanoylcarnitine as well as C10 to C14 dicarboxylylcarnitines being prominent, were observed in urine. Biochemical measurements disclosed a severe reduction of mitochondrial CPT II activity (7% of normal values). Correlations of metabolic findings in the patient and physiological roles of CPT II are briefly discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carnitine / blood
  • Carnitine / urine
  • Carnitine O-Palmitoyltransferase / deficiency*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / enzymology
  • Humans
  • Infant

Substances

  • Carnitine O-Palmitoyltransferase
  • Carnitine