Prevalence of mitochondrial DNA disease in adults

TLDR

Mitochondrial DNA disease presents with diverse clinical features and a loose genotype–phenotype relationship, making it difficult to assess its epidemiology and underscoring the need for accurate prevalence estimates to guide clinical services. The study aimed to accurately determine the prevalence of primary mtDNA disease among working‑age adults in the North East of England. Researchers reviewed adults with suspected mitochondrial disease referred to a single neurology center between 1990 and 2004, identified pathogenic mtDNA mutations, performed pedigree analysis, and calculated the minimum point prevalence for working‑age adults in 2001. The study found a minimum point prevalence of 9.2 per 100,000 working‑age adults, with an additional 16.5 per 100,000 children and younger adults at risk, confirming mtDNA disease as a common chronic morbidity more prevalent than previously appreciated. Published in Ann Neurol 2007.

Abstract

Abstract Objective Diverse and variable clinical features, a loose genotype–phenotype relationship, and presentation to different medical specialties have all hindered attempts to gauge the epidemiological impact of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disease. Nevertheless, a clear understanding of its prevalence remains an important goal, particularly about planning appropriate clinical services. Consequently, the aim of this study was to accurately define the prevalence of mtDNA disease (primary mutation occurs in mtDNA) in the working‐age population of the North East of England. Methods Adults with suspected mitochondrial disease in the North East of England were referred to a single neurology center for investigation from 1990 to 2004. Those with pathogenic mtDNA mutations were identified and pedigree analysis performed. For the midyear period of 2001, we calculated the minimum point prevalence of mtDNA disease for adults of working age (>16 and <60/65 years for female/male patients, respectively). Results In this population, we found that 9.2 in 100,000 people have clinically manifest mtDNA disease, making this one of the commonest inherited neuromuscular disorders. In addition, a further 16.5 in 100,000 children and adults younger than retirement age are at risk for development of mtDNA disease. Interpretation Through detailed pedigree analysis and active family tracing, we have been able to provide revised minimum prevalence figures for mtDNA disease. These estimates confirm that mtDNA disease is a common cause of chronic morbidity and is more prevalent than has been previously appreciated. Ann Neurol 2007