We describe the clinical symptoms and biochemical findings of a patient with succinyl-CoA:acetoacetate transferase deficiency who presented in the neonatal period and review the current literature on this subject. Our patient was initially suspected to have distal renal tubular acidosis, and subsequently, a fasting test revealed severe metabolic ketoacidosis with normal blood glucose after 13 h which suggest a defect in ketolysis. In his cultured skin fibroblasts succinyl-CoA:acetoacetate transferase was deficient (residual activity 15%). Treatment in the acute phase consisted of sodium bicarbonate. At the present age of 9 years, psychomotor and physical development are within normal limits.
Conclusion: Defects of ketolysis probably are underdiagnosed disorders and should be considered in infants and young children with persistent ketosis.