Newborn Screening of X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy in Italy: Clinical and Biochemical Outcomes from a 4-Year Pilot Study

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is the most common peroxisomal disorder, caused by mutations in the <i>ABCD1</i> gene. Early diagnosis is critical to manage adrenal insufficiency and cerebral forms of the disease. Since 2021, a pilot newborn screening (NBS) program for X-ALD has been launched in Lombardy, Italy. From September 2021 to June 2025, 138,116 newborns (≥37 weeks' gestational age) were screened for elevated C26:0-lysophosphatidylcholine (C26:0-LPC) levels using a two-tier algorithm. Genetic testing was performed in non-negative cases. Males found to be <i>ABCD1</i> variant carriers were enrolled in multidisciplinary follow-up, including neurological, endocrinological, and nutritional assessments. Eleven individuals (six males, five females) carried pathogenic or likely pathogenic <i>ABCD1</i> variants. Three males were diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency and started hydrocortisone therapy between 1 and 2 years of age. Growth parameters were within normal range overall, but two children showed signs of stunting associated with poor dietary compliance. Additionally, three patients were diagnosed with Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSDs). No patients affected with Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome were identified. Newborn screening for X-ALD in Italy is feasible and enables early detection and intervention. Biochemical markers and genetic analysis are reliable tools for identifying affected males and female carriers. Multidisciplinary management is essential to address medical and psychosocial challenges during follow-up.

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Publication Details

Journal
International Journal of Neonatal Screening
Published
2025-09-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijns11040084
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.81

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article

Newborn Screening of X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy in Italy: Clinical and Biochemical Outcomes from a 4-Year Pilot Study

Laura Cappelletti, Giana Izzo, Matilde Ferrario, Maria Rosaria Iascone et al.
1 citations
International Journal of Neonatal Screening
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors
0.81
article

Newborn Screening of X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy in Italy: Clinical and Biochemical Outcomes from a 4-Year Pilot Study

Laura Cappelletti, Giana Izzo, Matilde Ferrario, Maria Rosaria Iascone, Clara E. Antonello, Simona Lucchi, Luigina Spaccini, Giulia Fiore, Michela Perrone Donnorso, Davide Tonduti, Ylenia Vaia, F. Bruschi, Marina Balestriero, Luisella Alberti, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Pierangelo Veggiotti, Elvira Verduci, Eleonora Bonaventura, Barbara Borsani, Cecilia Parazzini, Filippo Arrigoni, Elisa Cattaneo
article en
1 citations

Abstract

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is the most common peroxisomal disorder, caused by mutations in the <i>ABCD1</i> gene. Early diagnosis is critical to manage adrenal insufficiency and cerebral forms of the disease. Since 2021, a pilot newborn screening (NBS) program for X-ALD has been launched in Lombardy, Italy. From September 2021 to June 2025, 138,116 newborns (≥37 weeks' gestational age) were screened for elevated C26:0-lysophosphatidylcholine (C26:0-LPC) levels using a two-tier algorithm. Genetic testing was performed in non-negative cases. Males found to be <i>ABCD1</i> variant carriers were enrolled in multidisciplinary follow-up, including neurological, endocrinological, and nutritional assessments. Eleven individuals (six males, five females) carried pathogenic or likely pathogenic <i>ABCD1</i> variants. Three males were diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency and started hydrocortisone therapy between 1 and 2 years of age. Growth parameters were within normal range overall, but two children showed signs of stunting associated with poor dietary compliance. Additionally, three patients were diagnosed with Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSDs). No patients affected with Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome were identified. Newborn screening for X-ALD in Italy is feasible and enables early detection and intervention. Biochemical markers and genetic analysis are reliable tools for identifying affected males and female carriers. Multidisciplinary management is essential to address medical and psychosocial challenges during follow-up.

International Journal of Neonatal ScreeningVol. 11(4)
University of Milan (IT), Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII (IT), Ospedale dei Bambini Vittore Buzzi (IT)
Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Ministero della Salute
Openalex Percentile: Top 23%
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors
0.81
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