Organic Acid Metabolic Disorders

Newborn Screening For Organic Acid Metabolic Disorders

Organic Acid Disorders (OAs) are a group of rare inherited conditions caused by enzymes that do not work properly. A number of enzymes are needed to process protein from the food we eat for use by the body. Problems with one or more of these enzymes can cause an organic acid disorder. People with organic acid disorders cannot break down protein properly. This causes harmful substances to build up in their blood and urine. These substances can affect health, growth and learning.

The symptoms and treatment vary between different organic acid disorders. They can also vary from person to person with the same organic acid disorder. See the fact sheets for each specific organic acid disorder. Organic acid disorders are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and affect both males and females. This means they are passed from parent to child through genes. Genes are parts of your body's cells that store instructions for the way your body grows and works.