MSUD is a rare inherited disorder caused by defects in the mitochondrial branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase complex, which results in elevated blood levels of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), leucine, valine, and isoleucine, as well as the associated branched-chain ketoacids (BCKA) in a patient’s blood. Left untreated, this can result in neurological damage, mental disability, coma or death. The most severe presentation of MSUD, known as “classic” MSUD, accounts for 80% of cases and can result in neonatal onset with encephalopathy and coma. Although metabolic management of the disease is possible via a highly restrictive diet, the outcome is unpredictable, and a significant portion of affected individuals are mentally impaired or experience neurological complications.
Diagnosis and Incidence
MSUD is typically diagnosed at birth via newborn screening. Studies indicate that MSUD affects an estimated 1 in 185,000 infants worldwide. The disorder occurs more frequently in the Old Order Mennonite population, with an estimated incidence of about 1 in 380 newborns, and the Ashkenazi Jewish population, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 26,000.
Current Treatment Options in MSUD
There are currently no approved pharmacologic therapies in the U.S. or the EU for MSUD. Treatment of MSUD consists primarily of a severely restricted diet to limit the intake of BCAA, with aggressive medical interventions when blood levels of BCAA or BCKA become elevated.
References:
- Strauss KA, et al. Maple Syrup Urine Disease. In: Pagon RA, Adam MP, Ardinger HH, al. e, eds. GeneReviews® [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1319/: University of Washington, Seattle; 2006. Accessed March 22, 2017