Inborn Errors of Metabolism

An inborn error of metabolism is a genetic condition in which the body cannot properly turn food into energy.

At Royal Perth Hospital, our endocrinologists and dieticians provide treatment and education for people with inborn errors of metabolism, and their carers. 

Patients may be referred to us from the community or hospitals such as Perth Children’s Hospital.

We can provide referrals to social work and clinical psychology if needed.

The Inborn Errors of Metabolism service is a trial site for the QRious project, supporting young people to transition from Perth Children’s Hospital to Royal Perth Hospital.

For more information, visit the QRious webpage.
 

Important information for our patients

  • Please come to your appointments. Even if you think you haven’t been managing your IEM well recently. You won’t get in trouble. We want to support you to stay healthy.
  • Check what you need to bring to your appointment and make sure you have all the right things.
  • If you are feeling unwell, seek medical care.

 

Contact us

If you have a question about your care, you can:

  • Email us at RPH.IEM@health.wa.gov.au
  • Phone the clinic on 6477 5213
  • Phone the RPH switchboard on 9224 2244 and ask to speak to the on-call endocrinologist.

Meet the IEM Team

 

Kharis Burns, 

Endocrinologist

Damon Bell, 

Endocrinologist

Catherine Manolikos, 

Dietician

If you have been provided with a sick day management plan, our team can discuss this with you.

  • Carry a copy of this plan with you at all times and save it in your phone.
  • Bring this plan with you to hospital if you are unwell and need urgent care.
  • Ensure you have enough supplies for sick day management such as SOS-25. We will provide you with extra supplies if you need them.

When you are living with an Inborn Error of Metabolism, you may need to order special or low protein food.

Here are some links to nutrition companies that provide these foods:

Sometimes you need to have blood tests before your appointment.

These should be done one to two weeks before your appointment, so we have the results in time to discuss with you. 

Venues:

  • If you choose to have blood tests done at RPH, visit Pathwest on Level 3 in Goderich Street. This is the same building as our clinic.
  • Otherwise, visit a clinic run by Western Diagnostics, Clinipath or Australian Clinical Labs, for example.
  • To help us locate your test results, note where you get your test done and take a photo of the sign if it helps you remember.

 

Last Updated: 03/01/2025