| methylmalonic acidaemia | <biochemistry> A group of inherited metabolic disorders that result in the accumulation of methylmalonic acid in the bloodstream. This leads to a severe metabolic acidosis (and ketosis) that can be fatal. A defect in the metabolic pathway of methylmalonic acid, vitamin B12 and succinic acid is the underlying cause. An infection can trigger a bout of acidosis. A low protein diet is essential in these patients. Occasionally large doses of vitamin B12 or an alkalinising agent (bicarbonate) will be necessary to treat acute exacerbations of acidosis. Origin: Gr. Haima = blood (27 Sep 1997) |
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