MCAD Deficiency
(Medium-Chain Acyl-coA Dehydrogenase Deficiency)
- MCAD is a fatty-acid oxidation (FOD) disorder
- It prevents the use of body fat for energy
- Affected have an Emergency Room Protocol Letter for faster access and proper treatment response in the ER
- Lethargic patients need 10% Glucose IV right away
- Treatment is not the same as treatment for a diabetic
Care Providers
Be on alert if a child is:
- Vomiting
- Not eating or taking a bottle
- Acting lethargic/sleepy, slow to respond or awaken
- Hospitalized patient should not be taken off 10% Glucose IV until able to eat normally again
In an emergency situation:
- Call parents or guardian
- Administer a Glucose Gel
- If parent is unable, take child to Emergency Room, with ER Protocol Letter
For ER Staff
Signs: Vomiting, Lethargy, +/- Hypoglycemia, Reye-like syndrome
"10% dextrose IV (D5% is NOT enough) is started immediately following blood chemistry samplings"1