Genetic Diseases

Today there is quite a bit of excitement about human gene discoveries and the Human Genome Project (HGP). In April 2003 the human genome sequence was completed and published. Nature's complete genetic blueprint for a human being is now known. April 2003 also marked the 50 th anniversary of another great achievement in biology - the description of the DNA double helix by James Watson and Francis Crick. The HGP has revealed that there are probably somewhere between 20,000 and 25,000 human genes. The completed human sequence can now identify their locations. Already, more than 12,000 of these genes have been discovered in relation to many diseases and more than 800 genetic tests are available.

The public health impact of the human genome revolution is staggering. Nine of the top ten causes of death, most notably chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease, have genetic components resulting from the interaction of genetic variation with modifiable risk factors. A large fraction of children's hospitalizations are due to diseases with strong genetic components. The good news is there are interventions that can save lives and prevent disease.

Genetics
Genetics is the scientific study of heredity, which is how particular traits are passed from parents to children. Chromosomal abnormalities inherited from the mother and/or father may result in a genetic disorder. Genetic conditions affect all age, economic, social and religious groups. Rapid advances are now occurring in genetic screening/diagnosis, including the ability to link particular genes with specific conditions (cancer, hardening of the arteries, etc.) The Missouri Genetic Disease Program was established for the purpose of increasing general knowledge of genetic conditions, informing residents about the availability of genetic services, and expanding genetic services to outlying areas of the state.

Genetic Tertiary Centers - The Department of Health and Senior Services contracts with four genetic tertiary referral centers located in Missouri's four university-affiliated medical schools. The staff of the four centers provide genetic diagnostic evaluations and counseling, genetic screening and genetic education.

Outreach Services - A network of outreach clinics have been established to make medical genetic services available to geographically and/or culturally remote areas of the state. This involves sending a genetic team from one of the genetic centers to an identified area for at least one day every three months.

Newborn Blood Spot Screening

Biotinidase Deficiency
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH)
Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
Galactosemia
Sickle Cell/Hemoglobinopathies

Amino Acid Disorders
Argininemia (ARG, arginase deficiency)
Argininosuccinic Acidemia (ASA, argininosuccinase)
Citrullinemia type I (CIT-I, argininosuccinate synthetase)
Citrullinemia type II (CIT-II, citrin deficiency)
Defects of biopterin cofactor biosynthesis (BIOPT-BS)
Defects of biopterin cofactor regeneration (BIOPT-RG)
Homocystinuria (HCY, cystathionine beta synthase)
Hyperphenylalaninemia (H-PHE)
Hypermethioninemia (MET)
Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD, branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase)
Phenyleketonuria (PKU, phenylalanine hydroxylase)
Tyrosinemia type I (TYR-1, fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase)*
Tyrosinemia type II (TYR-II, tyrosine aminotransferase)
Tyrosinemia type III (TYR-III, hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase)

Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders
Carnitine/acylcarnitine translocase defect (CACT)
Carnitine Uptake Deficiency (CUD, carnitine transport defect)*
Carnitine palmitoyl transferase deficiency I (CPT-1a)     
Carnitine palmitoyl transferase deficiency II (CPT-II)
Dienoyl-CoA reductase deficiency (DE-RED)
Glutaric acidemia type II (GA-II, multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency)
Long-chain hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (LCHAD)
Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCAD)
Medium-chain ketoacyl-CoA thiolase deficiency (MCKAT)
Medium/Short chain L-3-hydroxy acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (M/SCHAD)
Short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SCAD)
Trifunctional Protein Deficiency (TFP)
Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCAD)

Organic Acid Disorders
2-Methyl-3-hydroxybutyric aciduria (2M3HBA)
2-Methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (2MBG, SBCAD)
3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Lyase Deficiency (HMG)
3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA Carboxylase Deficiency (3MCC)
3-Methylglutaconic aciduria (3MGA, Type I hydratase deficiency)
Beta Ketothiolase (BKT, mitrochondrial acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase,  short-chain ketoacylthiolase)
Glutaric acidemia, type I (GA-1, glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase)
Isobutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (IBG)
Isovaleric acidemia (IVA, Isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase)
Malonic acidemia (MAL, malonyl-CoA decarboxylase)
Methylmalonic Acidemia (Cbl A,B; vitamin B12 disorders)
Methylmalonic acidemia (CBL C,D)
Methylmalonic Acidemia (MUT, methylmalonyl CoA mutase)
Multiple Carboxylyse Deficiency (MCD, holocarboxylase synthetase)
Propionic acidemia (PROP, propionyl-CoA carboxylase)

*There is a lower probability of detection of this disorder during the immediate newborn period.”

Infants with positive results for a particular condition are followed up to ensure that confirmatory testing is done. Infants found to be positive are entered into a system of medical care.

Newborn Hearing Screening - Effective January 1, 2002, state law mandates screening the hearing of all infants born in Missouri. The purpose of the NBHP is to identify infants with hearing loss and ensure their linkage with services. Early identification and treatment of hearing loss are essential so that speech, language, and learning can develop as normally as possible.

Missouri Teratogen Information Services (MOTIS) - Missouri Teratogen Information Services is a statewide program whose goal is to prevent birth defects. MOTIS maintains a hotline (toll free telephone number) that addresses questions regarding possible teratogen exposure during the prenatal period.

Sickle Cell Anemia Program - The Sickle Cell Anemia Program provides information to the public and health professionals about sickle cell anemia and sickle cell trait, and promotes and provides screening, referral, counseling and follow-up services for Missouri citizens at risk for sickle cell disease.

Adult Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell and Hemophilia Treatment Programs - These treatment programs provide assistance to individuals 21 years of age and over who meet the medical and financial eligibility (.pdf) criteria. These programs provide financial assistance for outpatient and inpatient services, prescription medications, home medical equipment, blood factor products, emergency care and service coordination.

Metabolic Formula Distribution Program - The Metabolic Formula Distribution Program assists with the purchase of prescribed dietary formula and provides an annual examination to children and adults diagnosed with medically eligible metabolic disorders such as PKU or Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD).

Birth Defects - This Registry is a passive system that identifies infants with birth defects by monitoring information submitted on the birth certificates, hospital patient abstracts, death certificates, and special health care needs information systems.

Missouri Genetic Advisory Committee - The Missouri Genetic Advisory Committee is a governor appointed advisory board, which advises the Department on the provision of genetic services. To address specific issues, the Committee has four Standing Committees: Newborn Screening, Cystic Fibrosis, Hemophilia and Sickle Cell. The Genetic Advisory Committee and Standing Committees meet at least annually to monitor, review and analyze programmatic activities.