The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and management of inborn errors of metabolism: A global perspective

Mol Genet Metab. 2020 Nov;131(3):285-288. doi: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2020.09.004. Epub 2020 Sep 25.

Abstract

Quantitative estimates for the global impact of COVID-19 on the diagnosis and management of patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are lacking. We collected relevant data from 16 specialized medical centers treating IEM patients in Europe, Asia and Africa. The median decline of reported IEM related services in March 1st-May 31st 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 were as high as 60-80% with a profound impact on patient management and care for this vulnerable patient group. More representative data along with outcome data and guidelines for managing IEM disorders under such extraordinary circumstances are needed.

Keywords: Health care policy; Inherited metabolic disorders; SARS-COV-2 virus; Survey; Telemedicine.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Africa / epidemiology
  • Asia / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • Comorbidity
  • Delivery of Health Care / methods
  • Delivery of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Delivery of Health Care / trends
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data
  • Metabolism, Inborn Errors / diagnosis*
  • Metabolism, Inborn Errors / epidemiology
  • Metabolism, Inborn Errors / therapy*
  • Neonatal Screening / methods
  • Pandemics
  • Phenylketonurias / diagnosis
  • Phenylketonurias / epidemiology
  • Phenylketonurias / therapy
  • SARS-CoV-2 / physiology