propionic acidemia /prō′pē·on′ikas′idē″mē·ə/ [Gk, pro + pion, fat; L, acidus, sour; Gk, haima, blood] , a rare inherited metabolic defect caused by the failure of the body to metabolize the amino acids valine, isoleucine, and methionine, characterized by lethargy, cognitive impairment, and delayed motor development. Acidosis results from the accumulation of propionic acid in the body. −propionicacidemic, adj.
