IVA (isovaleric acidemia)
ORGANIC ACID DISORDER
Disorder name: Isovaleric Acidemia
Acronym: IVA
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- What is IVA?
- What causes IVA?
- If IVA is not treated, what problems occur?
- What is the treatment for IVA?
- What happens when IVA is treated?
- What causes the isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase enzyme to be absent or not working correctly?
- How is IVA inherited?
- Is genetic testing available?
- What other testing is available?
- Can you test during a future pregnancy?
- Can other members of the family have IVA or be carriers?
- Can other family members be tested?
- How many people have IVA?
- Does IVA happen more often in a certain ethnic group?
- Does IVA go by any other names?
- Where can I find more information?
This fact sheet contains general information about IVA. Every child is different and some of these facts may not apply to your child specifically. Certain treatments may be recommended for some children but not others. All children with IVA should be followed by a metabolic doctor in addition to their primary doctor.
WHAT IS IVA?
IVA stands for “isovaleric acidemia.” It is one type of organic acid disorder. People with IVA have problems breaking down an amino acid called leucine from the food they eat.
Organic Acid DisordersThis is a group of rare inherited conditions. OA disorders are caused by one or more enzymes that do not work properly. People with these conditions cannot digest certain parts of protein from the food they eat. This causes harmful substances to build up in their blood and urine. This can cause serious effects on health, growth, and learning.:
Organic acid disorders (OAs) are a group of rare inheritedAcquiring a trait from one’s parents. Most traits, such as eye color or hair color, are inherited from a parent through genes. conditions. They are caused by enzymes that do not work properly. A number of enzymesA molecule that helps chemical reactions take place. For example, enzymes in the stomach speed up the process of breaking down food. Each enzyme can participate in many chemical reactions without changing or being used up. 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 proteinA molecule that makes up many parts of every cell in the body. Examples of proteins include hormones, enzymes, hair, and antibodies. Proteins are made up of 20 different types of individual units called amino acids. It is the order of these amino acids in a protein that determines what form and function a protein has. Each gene holds the instructions for making a single 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. |
WHAT CAUSES IVA?
In order for the body to use protein from the food we eat, it is broken down into smaller parts called amino acidsAmino acids are small molecules that make up proteins. There are over 100 different amino acids, but our body uses only 20 amino acids to make all of its proteins. Our genes determine the sequence of amino acids in a protein. This sequence determines what shape the protein takes, and what function that protein serves in the body.. Special enzymes then make changes to the amino acids so the body can use them.
IVA occurs when an enzyme called “isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase” (IVD) is either missing or not working properly. This enzyme’s job is to help break down a substance called “isovaleryl-CoA.” It is made in the body when the amino acid leucineThis is one of 20 amino acids that make up protein. It is not made by the body and must be eaten in the diet. It is found in all foods that contain protein. is broken down. When a child with IVA eats food containing leucine, the substance called isovaleric acid builds up in the blood and causes problems. Leucine is found in all foods that contain protein.
IF IVA IS NOT TREATED, WHAT PROBLEMS OCCUR?
The effects of IVA vary from person to person. There are two main types of IVA. About half of all babies start showing symptoms shortly after birth. The other type called “chronic-intermittent,” starts later in infancy or childhood.
IVA in babies
Babies with IVA seem healthy at birth. Often, the first symptoms start between one day and two weeks of age.
IVA causes episodes of illness called metabolic crises. Some of the first symptoms of a metabolic crisisThis is a serious health condition caused by low blood sugar and the build-up of toxic substances in the blood. Symptoms of a metabolic crisis are poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme sleepiness, irritable mood and behavior changes. If not treated, breathing problems, seizures, coma, and sometimes even death can occur.Metabolic crises happen more often in people with certain metabolic disorders (some fatty acid oxidation disorders, amino acid disorders, and organic acid disorders). They are often triggered by things like illness or infection, going without food for a long time, and, in some cases, heavy exercise. are:
- poor appetite
- extreme sleepiness or lack of energy
- vomiting
- problems staying warm
- an odor similar to “sweaty feet”
Other symptoms can then follow:
- increased levels of acidic substances in the blood, called metabolic acidosisThis happens when acidic substances build up in the blood. It can cause rapid breathing, confusion, and extreme sleepiness. If not treated, it may lead to shock, coma or death.
- high levels of ammonia in the blood
- ketones in the urine
- low plateletsThis is a type of blood cell that helps to clot the blood. Platelets help prevent or control bleeding.
- low level of white blood cellsThe smallest living unit. Cells make up all organs and tissues in multi-cellular organisms, like humans. They can also live independently, as in bacteria and other microorganisms. At a minimum, a cell is surrounded by a membrane, contains DNA at some stage in its life, and is able to replicate itself into two equal parts.
- seizuresThese are also called "convulsions" or "fits." During a seizure, a person loses consciousness and control of his or her muscles. It may also cause involuntary movements. Seizures can happen for many reasons. Some causes are metabolic disorders, a metabolic crisis, brain injury, and infection.
- swelling of the brain
- bleeding in the brain
- comaThis is a sleep-like condition from which a person cannot be awakened. People in a coma are unconscious. A coma can be caused by many things. Two causes are untreated low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and a metabolic crisis., sometimes leading to death
If not treated, many babies die during their first metabolic crisis. In those who survive, repeated episodes of metabolic crisis can cause brain damage. This can result in life-long learning problems or intellectual disabilities.
ChronicAny condition that lasts for a long period of time or occurs frequently. For example, diabetes and hemochromatosis are both chronic conditions./intermittent IVA
Symptoms often start around one year of age. Some children, though, do not have symptoms until later in childhood.
Episodes of metabolic crisis can be brought on by illness, infection, or by eating large amounts of protein. When a child is ill, body protein is broken down for energy. In a child with IVA, this can cause high levels of isovaleric acid and results in a metabolic crisis.
Between episodes of metabolic crisis, children with IVA are usually healthy.
Some people have very mild or no symptoms and are only found to be affected after a brother or sister is diagnosed. Newborn screeningA screening test that looks for different disorders using a small sample of blood taken from a newborn’s heel. A positive or abnormal newborn screening result means that there are slight differences that were found in the baby’s blood, and further testing is needed to figure out if the baby has a metabolic disorder. also identifies infants that may never develop serious symptoms.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR IVA?
Your baby’s primary doctor will work with a metabolic doctorThis is a doctor or medical geneticist who has special training in diagnosing and treating metabolic disorders. They often work in university hospitals or large medical centers. and a dietician experienced with IVA to care for your child.
Prompt treatment is needed to prevent metabolic crises and the health effects that follow. You should start treatment as soon as you know your child has IVA. Certain treatments may be advised for some children but not others. Treatment is usually needed throughout life.
The following are treatments often recommended for babies and children with IVA:
1. Low-leucine diet, medical foods, and formula
Most children need to eat a diet made up of foods low in leucine. Special medical foods and a leucine-free formula are usually part of the diet. Your dieticianThis is a person with special training in food and nutrition. A registered dietician (RD) has met the necessary educational requirements and has passed a national examination. If your child has a metabolic disorder, it is important for you to work with a registered dietician. They help create healthy food plans for people with metabolic disorders or other special needs. will create a food plan that contains the right amount of protein, nutrients, and energy to keep your child healthy. A special food plan should be continued throughout life.
Low-leucine / low-protein diet
Foods high in protein (and leucine) that may need to be avoided or limited include:
- milk and dairy products
- meat and poultry
- fish
- eggs
- dried beans and legumes
- nuts and peanut butter
Eating large amounts of these foods can cause isovaleric acid levels to rise, causing illness.
Many vegetables and fruits have only small amounts of protein and can be eaten in carefully measured amounts.
Do not remove all protein from the diet. Children with IVA need a certain amount to grow properly. Any diet changes should be under the guidance of a dietician.
Medical foods and formula
There are medical foods such as special low-protein flours, pastas, and rice that are made especially for people with organic acid disorders. Your dietician will tell you how to use these foods to supplement your child’s diet.
In addition to a low-protein diet, many children are given a special leucine-free medical formula. Your metabolic doctor and dietician will decide whether your child needs this formula. Some states offer help with payment for this formula and others require private insurance to pay for the formula and other special medical foods.
2. Medications
Glycine is an amino acid that helps the body get rid of isovaleric acid. It is often given as a supplement to children with IVA. It may help prevent metabolic crises. Your doctor will tell you whether your child needs glycineThis is one of 20 amino acids that make up protein. It has many functions, one of which is helping cells create energy for the body. It is made by the body and does not need to be eaten in the diet. It is also available as a supplement. People with isovaleric acidemia (IVA) are often given glycine to help prevent health problems. and how much to use.
Some children may benefit by taking L-carnitineThis is a natural substance found in muscle cells. It helps the body make energy from the fat in food and the fat stored in the body. It also helps the cells get rid of harmful wastes made during the breakdown of fat. Carnitine supplements may be used as a treatment for some metabolic disorders.. This is a safe and natural substance that helps body cells make energy. It also helps the body get rid of isovaleric acid and other harmful wastes. Your doctor will decide whether or not your child needs L-carnitine. Unless you are advised otherwise, use only L-carnitine prescribed by your doctor.
Do not use any medication or supplement without checking with your metabolic doctor.
Children with symptoms of a metabolic crisis need medical treatment right away. They may need to be treated in the hospital. During a metabolic crisis, children may be given bicarbonateThis is a substance that lowers the amount of acid in the blood. It is sometimes used as part of the treatment for children with certain organic acid disorders., glucoseThis is a type of sugar made from the carbohydrates in food. Glucose is found in the blood. It is the main source of energy for the body and brain., and other medications by IV to help reduce the acid levels in the blood.
3. Call your doctor at the start of any illness
In some children, even minor illnesses such as a cold or the flu can lead to a metabolic crisis. In order to prevent problems, call your doctor right away when your child has any of the following:
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- infection or illness
- fever
Children with IVA need to eat more carbohydrates and drink more fluids when they are ill – even if they’re not hungry – or they could have a metabolic crisis. In addition, they need to avoid eating protein when they are ill.
Children who are sick often don’t want to eat. If they can’t eat, or if they show signs of a metabolic crisis, they may need to be treated in the hospital. Ask your metabolic doctor if you should carry a special travel letter with medical instructions for your child’s care.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IVA IS TREATED?
With prompt and careful treatment, children with IVA have a good chance to live healthy lives with typical growth and development.
Even when treated, some children still have repeated bouts of metabolic crisis. This can lead to life-long learning problems or intellectual disabilities. As they get older, children tend to have fewer metabolic crises.
WHAT CAUSES THE ISOVALERYL-COA DEHYDROGENASE ENZYME TO BE ABSENT OR NOT WORKING CORRECTLY?
Genes tell the body how to make enzymes. The IVD gene instructs the body to make the isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase (IVD) enzyme. Everyone has two copies of the IVD gene. People with IVA have changes, also called variantsA variant is a change or alteration in a person’s DNA sequence. Variants can happen in genes and affect how the gene functions. There are different types of variants – they can be non-problem causing (benign), disease-causing (pathogenic) or of unknown significance. The term variants is now used in place of the term mutation., in both copies of their IVD genesA segment of DNA that contains the instructions to make a specific protein (or part of a protein). Genes are contained on chromosomes. Chromosomes, and the genes on those chromosomes, are passed on from parent to child. Errors in the DNA that make up a gene are called variants and can lead to diseases. that cause them to not work correctly. Because of the variants in the IVD genes, the IVD enzyme either does not work properly or is not made at all.
HOW IS IVA INHERITED?
IVA is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It affects both boys and girls equally.
Everyone has two copies of the IVD genes that make the isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase enzyme. In children with IVA, neither of these genes works correctly. These children inherit one non-working gene for the condition from each parent.
Parents of children with IVA rarely have the condition themselves. Instead, each parent has a single non-working IVD gene for IVA. They are called carriersA person who has one copy of a gene mutation for a particular autosomal recessive disorder (remember genes come in pairs). Carriers are not affected by the disorder. However, they can pass on the gene variant to their children. Children who inherit two such gene variants will be affected by the disorder. The term variants is now used in place of the term mutation.. Carriers do not have IVA because their other gene is working correctly.
When both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance in each pregnancy for the child to have IVA. There is a 50% chance for the child to be a carrier, just like the parents. And, there is a 25% chance for the child to have two working genes.
GeneticRelating to (or due to) genes and heredity or the field of studying genes and heredity. counseling is available to families who have children with IVA. Genetic counselors can answer your questions about how the condition is inherited, choices during future pregnancies, and how to test other family members. Ask your doctor about a referral to a genetic counselorThese are health care providers who have special training in genetic conditions. They help families understand genetic disorders and how they are passed down. Genetic counselors offer information and support to people who have genetic conditions in their families or are concerned that they may have a child with an inherited disorder..
IS GENETIC TESTING AVAILABLE?
Genetic testing for IVA can be done on a blood sample. Genetic testing, also called DNA testing, looks for changes (variants) in the IVD genes that causes IVA. If you have questions about DNADeoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule found in the chromosomes that carries genetic information. DNA is composed of four units (called bases) that are designated A, T, G, and C. The sequence of the bases spell out instructions for making all of the proteins needed by an organism. A gene is a section of DNA that holds the instructions for a specific protein. A change in one or more of the DNA bases making up a gene is called a mutation. Some mutations change the protein instructions and can lead to particular health problems or disorders. Each parent passes half of their chromosomes, and thus half of their DNA instructions, onto their children. It is these instructions that cause certain traits, such as eye or hair color, to be inherited. testing, talk with your genetic counselor or metabolic doctor.
DNA testing is not necessary to diagnose your child. However, it can be helpful for carrier testing or prenatal diagnosis, discussed below.
WHAT OTHER TESTING IS AVAILABLE?
Special tests on blood, urine, or skin samples can be done to confirm IVA. Talk to your metabolic doctor or genetic counselor if you have questions about testing.
CAN YOU TEST DURING A FUTURE PREGNANCY?
If both gene changes have been found in your child, DNA testing can be done during future pregnancies. The sample needed for this test is obtained by either CVS or amniocentesisThis is a test done during pregnancy. A needle is used to remove a small sample of fluid from the sac around the fetus. The sample can be used to test for certain genetic disorders in the fetus. Amniocentesis to test for genetic conditions is usually done between 13 and 20 weeks of pregnancy..
Parents may choose to have testing during pregnancy or wait until birth to have the baby tested. Parents may also choose to use assisted reproductive techniques to decrease the chance that their future children would have IVA. A genetic counselor can talk to you about your choices and answer questions about prenatal testing or testing your baby after birth.
CAN OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY HAVE IVA OR BE CARRIERS?
Having IVA
The brothers and sisters of a baby with IVA may have a small chance of being affected, even if they haven’t had symptoms. Finding out whether other children in the family have this condition is important because early treatment may prevent serious health problems. Talk to your metabolic doctor or genetic counselor about testing your other children.
IVA carriers
Brothers and sisters who do not have IVA still have a chance to be carriers like their parents. Except in special cases, carrier testing should only be done in people over 18 years of age.
If you are a parent of a child with IVA, your brothers and sisters have a 50% chance to be a carrier. It is important for other family members to be told that they could be carriers. There is a small chance they are also at risk to have children with IVA.
All states offer newborn screening for IVA. However, when both parents are carriers, newborn screeningThe process of testing for disease in a person who does not show signs of having the disease (nonsymptomatic or asymptomatic person). The goal of screening is to catch the disease in its early stages. results are not sufficient to rule out the condition in a newborn baby. In this case, special diagnostic testing should be done in addition to newborn screening.
CAN OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS BE TESTED?
Diagnostic testing
Brothers and sisters of a child with IVA can be tested using blood, urine, or skin samples.
Carrier testing
If both gene changes (variants) have been found in your child, other family members can have DNA testing to see if they are carriers.
If DNA testing is not possible or would not be helpful, other methods of carrier testing may be available. Your metabolic doctor or genetic counselor can answer your questions about carrier testing.
HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE IVA?
About one in every 230,000 babies in the United States is born with IVA.
DOES IVA HAPPEN MORE OFTEN IN A CERTAIN ETHNIC GROUP?
IVA does not happen more often in any specific race, ethnic group, geographical area, or country.
DOES IVA GO BY ANY OTHER NAMES?
IVA is sometimes also called:
- isovaleric Acid CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency
- IVD deficiency
- isovaleryl CoA carboxylase deficiency
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
Organic Acidemia Association
http://www.oaanews.org
Metabolic Support UK
https://www.metabolicsupportuk.org
MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/isovaleric-acidemia/
Baby’s First Test
http://www.babysfirsttest.org
Isovaleric Acidemia: A Guide for Parents (PacNoRGG publication)
http://westernstatesgenetics.org/archives/pacnorgg/PDFs_all-081409/isovaleric_eng.pdf
DOCUMENT INFO:
Created by: | www.newbornscreening.info |
Reviewed by: | HI, CA, OR, and WA metabolic specialists |
Review date: | September 31, 2007 June 6, 2011 August 29, 2013 May 10, 2020 March 5, 2023 |
Update on: | March 5, 2023 |
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THIS INFORMATION DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. All content (“Content”), including text, graphics, images and information are for general informational purposes only. You are encouraged to confer with your doctor or other health care professional with regard to information contained on this information sheet. After reading this information sheet, you are encouraged to review the information carefully with your doctor or other healthcare provider. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT, BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS INFORMATION SHEET. This project is supported by a grant from the MaternalHaving to do with the mother. and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Service Administration, Genetic Services Branch, MCH Project #:UH7MC30774-01-00 http://mchb.hrsa.gov