Tag: Microcephaly

Serine deficiency disorders are a group of rare neurometabolic diseases caused by defects in the biosynthesis of the amino acid L-serine. These disorders manifest with a wide range of neurological symptoms, which can vary significantly depending on the age of onset, emphasizing the critical role of L-serine in brain development and function.

First identified in 1996, serine deficiency is a treatable neurometabolic disorder that arises from defects in the biosynthesis of the amino acid L-serine. {Link: Wiley Online Library https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1007/s10545-013-9592-4} Understanding what are the symptoms of a serine deficiency is critical for prompt diagnosis, as early intervention can mitigate severe neurological damage and improve patient outcomes.

Asparagine synthetase deficiency, a condition where the body cannot produce sufficient asparagine, is a severe neurometabolic disorder that causes profound neurological problems from birth. Understanding what happens if you lack asparagine is crucial for appreciating the complex role of this non-essential amino acid, particularly in brain development and function.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sufficient folic acid intake can prevent up to 70% of neural tube defects like spina bifida. However, when it comes to the complex condition of microcephaly, the answer to "can folic acid prevent microcephaly?" requires a deeper understanding of its multiple causes and the specific role of folate in fetal development.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), growth assessment is one of the best measurements for evaluating a child's health and nutritional status. While other factors are also important, changes in head circumference can indeed serve as a valuable, though not definitive, indicator of nutritional abnormalities, particularly chronic malnutrition in infants and young children.