Different Stages of VLCADD And It's Symptoms

VLCADD is variable and can cause mild effects in some people and more serious health problems in others. Symptoms may start in infancy or not until adulthood. There are three forms of VLCADD:  “Early”, “Childhood” and “Adult”.  

Early VLCADD

About half of babies diagnosed with VLCADD have the “early” type. They usually start to show effects between birth and 4 months. In addition to metabolic crises, babies can also have:

• enlarged heart, irregular heartbeat and other heart problems
• enlarged liver and other liver problems
• muscle problems

If not treated, babies with early VLCADD usually die young. 

Childhood VLCADD

 
About one third of people with VLCADD have the childhood type. They usually show symptoms in late infancy or early childhood. Episodes of hypoglycemia or full metabolic crisis happen during illness or after long periods of not eating. Other effects can include:

• enlarged liver
• other liver problems
• muscle weakness, especially after exercise

Heart problems are usually not seen in childhood VLCADD.
Some children with VLCADD have never had symptoms and are only found to be affected after a brother or sister has been diagnosed.

Adult VLCADD

 
About one fifth of people with VLCADD have the adult type. They usually show symptoms starting in the teen years or in adulthood. Periods of muscle weakness are common. Breakdown of muscle fibers can occur. This usually happens during heavy exercise or after going without food for a long period of time.
Signs of muscle breakdown are: 

• muscle aches
• weakness
• cramps
• reddish-brown color to the urine.

Reference:

Adults with muscle symptoms who do not get treatment can develop kidney failure.
STAR-G (n.d.) Expanded Newborn Screening Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry Finanacial, Ethical, Legal and Social Issues. [online] Available at: http://www.newbornscreening.info/Parents/fattyaciddisorders/VLCADD.html#2 [Accessed: 10th January 2013].