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TFPD has been reported in less than 100 cases in the literature.

The neonatal onset, severe form manifests as hepatic steatosis, cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy and neuropathy and is usually fatal. A moderately severe form, with onset usually from the neonatal period to 18 months of age, presents primarily with hypoketotic hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis which is often precipitated by prolonged fasting and/or intercurrent illness. Both forms can manifest with neuropathy with or without cardiomyopathy and can be fatal. The mild form merges with the moderately severe infantile form and can present from a few months of age until adolescence as a peripheral polyneuropathy with episodic rhabdomyolysis triggered by prolonged fasting, illness, exercise or exposure to heat or cold. There is respiratory failure associated with the episodes of rhabdomyolysis. A pigmentary retinopathy may also develop over time. Very occasionally, adults presenting for the first time with a previously unrecognized disease are described.

The TFP, composed of 4 alpha and 4 beta subunits, catalyzes 3 steps in mitochondrial beta-oxidation of fatty acids which are the long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD), long-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (LCEH), and long-chain thiolase (LCTH) steps. The HADHA gene (2p23) encodes the LCEH and LCHAD enzymes and the HADHB gene (2p23) encodes the LCTH enzyme. Two mutations in either one of these two genes causes TFPD.

Urine organic acids may show a C6-C14 (hydroxy) dicarboxylic aciduria, and blood acylcarnitine analysis often shows increased long chain hydroxyacyl carnitine species (C14-OH, C16-OH, C18-OH, C18:1-OH). Both urine and blood markers are less reliable and more variable than those seen in LCHAD deficiency. This is because defects in LCEH may block the formation of hydroxy-metabolites. Reduced enzyme activity in at least two (usually all 3) enzymes in cultured fibroblasts is seen. Molecular analysis confirming bi-allelic non-1528C>G mutations in the HADHA gene or bi-allelic mutations in the HADHBgene confirms diagnosis. Newborn screening is available in Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Netherlands and Portugal.

Sudden infant death syndrome and isolated LCHAD deficiency form part of the differential diagnosis. LCHAD deficiency is clinically indistinguishable from severe TFPD.

Prenatal diagnosis is possible by analyzing enzyme activity in chorionic villi samples, once a deficiency of TFP has been established in the index case/family. Molecular analysis is the preferred option when two mutations have been identified in a family.

TFPD is an autosomal recessive disorder and genetic counseling is possible.

Treatment involves adherence to a low fat diet with restriction of long chain fatty acid intake and substitution with medium chain fatty acids. Fasting and exposure to environmental extremes must be strictly avoided and exercise should be limited.

Prognosis for the severe neonatal form of TFPD is very poor. The later onset mild form has a far more favorable prognosis.

Last update: February 2014 - Expert reviewer(s): Dr Simon OLPIN