A report of a pedigree with compound heterozygous mutations in the SLC22A5 gene

IntroductionTo investigate the clinical characteristics and disease outcomes of a pedigree with compound heterozygous mutations in the SLC22A5 gene. MethodsSerum acylcarnitine profiles of patients were analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry. DNA samples isolated from patients and their first-degree relatives were subjected to high-throughput sequencing, and mutations were validated using Sanger sequencing. ResultsThe proband, a 4-month-old girl, presented with seizure episodes and mild cardiac hypertrophy and was diagnosed with primary carnitine deficiency (PCD), with carnitine levels of 5.165 mol/L. Her brother, a 6-year-and 4-month-old boy, was also diagnosed with PCD with serum-free carnitine levels of 1.014 mol/L (reference values 10-60 mol/L). Compound heterozygous mutations (c.760C > T [p.R254X] and c.825G > A [p.W275X]) were detected in the SLC22A5 gene in both patients and were inherited from the mother and father, respectively. Oral L-carnitine significantly improved or resolved the clinical symptoms. ConclusionChildren with compound mutations in SLC22A5 may present different clinical manifestations, particularly at different ages. Early clinical manifestations have a greater impact on the organs and may cause irreversible damage. PCD can cause epilepsy and dilated cardiomyopathy. Tandem mass spectrometry and high-throughput sequencing are recommended to confirm the diagnosis. Early L-carnitine supplementation can improve symptoms and reverse organ damage in some children. Tandem mass spectrometry should be used to screen for newborns with a family history of PCD.

Automated summary

The clinical characteristics and disease outcomes of a pedigree with compound heterozygous mutations in the SLC22A5 gene were investigated. Serum acylcarnitine profiles were analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry, and high-throughput sequencing was performed on DNA samples from patients and their first-degree relatives. The study found that both patients carried compound heterozygous mutations in the SLC22A5 gene, inherited from their mother and father, respectively. Early L-carnitine supplementation significantly improved or resolved clinical symptoms. The study suggests that compound mutations in SLC22A5 can lead to different clinical manifestations, especially at different ages.