Pediatrician's Role in Nutritional Management for Patients with IMD

 

The expanded newborn screening panel has increased the rate pediatricians encounter patients with inherited metabolic disorders (IMD). Patients with IMD have decreased enzyme activity resulting in high levels of metabolites which can be toxic. It is imperative that patients with IMD receive the necessary nutritional treatments to manage their enzyme activity thus maintaining low levels of metabolites. It is also essential that pediatricians are knowledgeable of effective nutritional treatments along with the associated insurance coverage. This will help to ensure patients have continued access to nutritional treatments for their disease. Michele A. Lloyd-Puryear, M.D., Ph.D., FAAP, Kathryn Camp M.S., R.D., C.S.P., and Susan A. Berry, M.D., published "Pediatricians May Play Role in Nutritional Management of Patients with IMD" in AAP News, which discusses the emerging responsibilities of pediatricians for patients with IMD. The article also provides resources for where pediatricians can find information on insurance coverage for nutritional treatments of IMD.