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Living with Methylmalonic acidemia due to methylmalonyl-CoA epimerase deficiency

A rare inherited metabolic condition with mild to moderate methylmalonic acid, sometimes with no symptoms.

Understanding Methylmalonic acidemia due to methylmalonyl-CoA epimerase deficiency

Methylmalonic acidemia due to methylmalonyl-CoA epimerase deficiency is a rare inherited condition with a mild to moderate, ongoing rise in methylmalonic acid.

Some people have sudden episodes of too much acid in the blood with vomiting, dehydration, confusion, and hallucinations. Others have nonspecific nervous system symptoms, or no symptoms. It starts in infancy and childhood.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Dehydration
  • Acid reflux
  • Poor weight gain
  • Muscle stiffness (spasticity)
  • Delayed motor skills

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in MCEE are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Organic Acidemia Association
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Should we have MCEE genetic testing for our family?
What should we do during illness to avoid acid buildup?
How often should metabolic levels be checked?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startInfant and as a Child
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesMCEE

Changes in the MCEE gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, meaning a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

GeneticInherited Metabolic

Also known as: deficiency of methylmalonyl-coa epimerase; deficiency of methylmalonyl-coa racemase; deficiency of methylmalonyl-coenzyme a epimerase; deficiency of methylmalonyl-coenzyme a racemase; mcee deficiency; mcee-related methylmalonic acidemia

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Methylmalonic acidemia due to methylmalonyl-CoA epimerase deficiencyGARD ID 17390 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

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