Resting energy expenditure in disorders of propionate metabolism.
OBJECTIVE
During intercurrent illness children with methylmalonic acidemia were found to have increased resting energy expenditure (REE). We measured REE in children with disorders of propionate metabolism (methylmalonic and propionic acidemia) when they were well and compared the values with those predicted by the Schofield equation.


METHODS
Prospective study in tertiary care facility. REE was measured with open-circuit indirect calorimetry under standardized conditions. Predicted REE values were calculated with the Schofield equation. Fourteen subjects with propionic acidemia (n = 3) and methylmalonic acidemia (n = 11) were studied.


RESULTS
The median REE was 690 kcal/d (range 186 to 1687 kcal/d), which is significantly reduced, representing 80% +/- 18% of that predicted by the Schofield height and weight equation (P <.01). REE was significantly lower in female compared with male patients for unknown reasons. There were no differences with age or neurologic state. REE was not further reduced in those with chronic renal failure.


CONCLUSIONS
REE in patients with disorders of propionate metabolism is reduced when they are well.
Feillet
F
F
Biochemistry, Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom.
Bodamer
O A
OA
Dixon
M A
MA
Sequeira
S
S
Leonard
J V
JV
D000592:Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors / Q000378:metabolism*; D001824:Body Constitution; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D002648:Child; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008764:Methylmalonic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D011422:Propionates / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism*
D011422:Propionates; D008764:Methylmalonic Acid