RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 New and known mutations associated with inborn errors of metabolism in a heterogeneous Middle Eastern population JF Saudi Medical Journal JO Saudi Med J FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City SP 353 OP 359 VO 32 IS 4 A1 Ali, Bassam R. A1 Hertecant, Jozef L. A1 Al-Jasmi, Fatima A. A1 Hamdan, Mohamed A. A1 Khuri, Sawsan F. A1 Akawi, Nadia A. A1 Al-Gazali, Lihadh I. YR 2011 UL http://smj.org.sa/content/32/4/353.abstract AB OBJECTIVE: To identify the mutations underlying a number of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) disorders among United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents.METHODS: Molecular diagnostic and bioinformatics tools were used to identify the causative mutations of IEM disorders from multi-ethnic patients residing in UAE. The study was conducted in Al-Ain, UAE, between April 2009 and September 2010. This is a case series retrospective study where patients attending the metabolic clinic at Tawam Hospital were recruited. Thirty patients and 26 parents were included.RESULTS: We present evidence in the UAE of 7 new mutations and 19 mutations that have previously been reported in other populations, all causing a number of common IEM disorders, including phenylketonuria, maple syrup urine disease, glycogen storage diseases, beta-ketothiolase deficiency, and Zellweger syndrome among many others.CONCLUSION: Reflecting the diverse ethnic groups residing in the UAE, we found mutations in several different population groups. However, consanguinity is evident in most cases. This report is of utmost importance for taking the necessary steps toward the prevention of inherited disorders, not just in the UAE, but anywhere in the world where these Arab and Asian populations reside, or where consanguinity is a cultural norm.