About the Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders Conference

Disorders of fatty acid oxidation and the carnitine cycle are important causes of morbidity and mortality. With the introduction of expanded newborn screening, many of these conditions can be diagnosed and treated at birth, preventing several of the complications later in life. Treatment of these conditions may include fasting-avoidance, diets low in fat containing specific fatty acids, and carnitine supplements. New types of therapies, nutritional and pharmacological, are being tested in humans and animal models of these conditions. Unfortunately, treatment is only partially effective for some conditions, and we still do not completely understand the pathophysiology of end-organ damage caused by these inherited disorders.

The objective of our fatty acid oxidation disorders conference is to familiarize the audience with recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of fatty acid oxidation disorder and of the carnitine cycle.  Each year our international meeting will discuss the proper diagnostic interpretation of laboratory testing, development of new therapeutic strategies, and the role of newborn screening ​in preventing complications. Top researchers in the field such as our Co-Chair and Scientific Organizer, Jerry Vockley, will be there to discuss the latest fatty acid oxidation research.