Prevalence of Metabolic Diseases
Metabolic diseases, while individually rare, are collectively more prevalent. Approximately one in every 1000 to 2500 infants is estimated to have a metabolic disorder, although this figure does not account for undiagnosed cases. Certain ethnic populations, such as individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, have a higher susceptibility to developing metabolic diseases.
Symptoms of Metabolic Disease
The symptoms of metabolic disease can vary greatly depending on the specific processes that are affected. While some may only cause mild symptoms, others can result in long-term disability and even limit life expectancy. One common set of symptoms associated with metabolic diseases includes digestive problems such as abdominal pain, restricted appetite, vomiting, and weight loss. These symptoms can be particularly concerning for children as they can lead to insufficient growth. Additionally, certain metabolic diseases can also cause developmental delays and learning disabilities. Fatigue, seizures, and even comas are also possible symptoms of metabolic diseases.