Detection of Early Onset Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase II Deficiency by Newborn Screening: Should CPT II Deficiency Be a Primary Disease Target?

Early-onset carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency (CPT II deficiency) (OMIM 600650) can result in severe outcomes, which are often fatal in the neonatal to infantile period. CPT II deficiency is a primary target in the Maritime Newborn Screening Program. We report a case of neonatal-onset CPT II deficiency identified through expanded newborn screening with tandem mass spectrometry. Identification through newborn screening led to early treatment interventions, avoidance of metabolic decompensation, and a better clinical outcome. Newborn screening for CPT II deficiency is highly sensitive and specific with no false positives identified. The only screen positive case detected identified a true positive case. This experience illustrates the importance of newborn screening for CPT II deficiency and demonstrates why reconsideration should be taken to add this disease as a primary newborn screening target.

Automated summary

Early-onset CPT II deficiency is a severe condition that requires early detection and intervention, which can lead to better clinical outcomes. Newborn screening for CPT II deficiency is highly sensitive and specific, making it an effective tool for early diagnosis and treatment.