In case of emergencies

Besides the precautions to be taken in normal circumstances also some precautions in case of emergency are necessary.
Special attention is required if a patient with MCAD deficiency is ill, with vomiting, diarrhea and/or fever.

If a patient vomits and/or has diarrhea, there is no or not an adequate intake of carbohydates from the meals, and the body of the patient will switch to the fat metabolism to produce energy. Because the fat metabolism does not function properly (see also the pages on fat metabolism) not enough energy can be produced from this, and at the same time some toxic metabolites of the failing fat metabolism will be accumulated.
In these cases it is necessary to give the patient frequently extra carbohydrates, also at night. This can be done for example by mixing a powder rich in carbohydrates with water and let the patient drink it every hour. Examples of this kind of powder are Caloreen and Fantomalt (links open in a new window).

Also fever requires special attention in patients with MCAD deficiency.
A higher body temperature requires more energy. This causes the acceleration of the fat metabolism. In a situation where the fat metabolism is already activated due to vomiting or diarrhea, this could make an already bad situation even worse.

If drinks rich in carbohydrates are refused or vomited, instant admission to the hospital is needed for treatment with IV glucose.

Referenties
De informatie op deze website is een synthese van informatie die publiek toegankelijk is op andere websites, en van informatie uit boeken die vrij te koop zijn.
De inhoud van deze website is niet gevalideerd door dokters, wetenschappers of genetici.

Deze pagina werd het laatst gewijzigd op 1 March 2011