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Posset R, Garbade SF, Gleich F, Scharre S, Okun JG, Gropman AL, Nagamani SCS, Druck AC, Epp F, Hoffmann GF, Kölker S, Zielonka M. Severity-adjusted evaluation of liver transplantation on health outcomes in urea cycle disorders. Genet Med 2024; 26:101039. [PMID: 38054409 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.101039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Liver transplantation (LTx) is performed in individuals with urea cycle disorders when medical management (MM) insufficiently prevents the occurrence of hyperammonemic events. However, there is a paucity of systematic analyses on the effects of LTx on health-related outcome parameters compared to individuals with comparable severity who are medically managed. METHODS We investigated the effects of LTx and MM on validated health-related outcome parameters, including the metabolic disease course, linear growth, and neurocognitive outcomes. Individuals were stratified into "severe" and "attenuated" categories based on the genotype-specific and validated in vitro enzyme activity. RESULTS LTx enabled metabolic stability by prevention of further hyperammonemic events after transplantation and was associated with a more favorable growth outcome compared with individuals remaining under MM. However, neurocognitive outcome in individuals with LTx did not differ from the medically managed counterparts as reflected by the frequency of motor abnormality and cognitive standard deviation score at last observation. CONCLUSION Whereas LTx enabled metabolic stability without further need of protein restriction or nitrogen-scavenging therapy and was associated with a more favorable growth outcome, LTx-as currently performed-was not associated with improved neurocognitive outcomes compared with long-term MM in the investigated urea cycle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Posset
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sven F Garbade
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Gleich
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Svenja Scharre
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen G Okun
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea L Gropman
- Children's National Health System and The George Washington School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Sandesh C S Nagamani
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Ann-Catrin Druck
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Friederike Epp
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georg F Hoffmann
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kölker
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Zielonka
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Posset R, Garbade SF, Gleich F, Nagamani SCS, Gropman AL, Epp F, Ramdhouni N, Druck AC, Hoffmann GF, Kölker S, Zielonka M. Impact of supplementation with L-citrulline/arginine after liver transplantation in individuals with Urea Cycle Disorders. Mol Genet Metab 2024; 141:108112. [PMID: 38301530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.108112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Liver transplantation (LTx) is an intervention when medical management is not sufficiently preventing individuals with urea cycle disorders (UCDs) from the occurrence of hyperammonemic events. Supplementation with L-citrulline/arginine is regularly performed prior to LTx to support ureagenesis and is often continued after the intervention. However, systematic studies assessing the impact of long-term L-citrulline/arginine supplementation in individuals who have undergone LTx is lacking to date. METHODS Using longitudinal data collected systematically, a comparative analysis was carried out by studying the effects of long-term L-citrulline/arginine supplementation vs. no supplementation on health-related outcome parameters (i.e., anthropometric, neurological, and cognitive outcomes) in individuals with UCDs who have undergone LTx. Altogether, 52 individuals with male ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, citrullinemia type 1 and argininosuccinic aciduria and a pre-transplant "severe" disease course who have undergone LTx were investigated by using recently established and validated genotype-specific in vitro enzyme activities. RESULTS Long-term supplementation of individuals with L-citrulline/arginine who have undergone LTx (n = 16) does neither appear to alter anthropometric nor neurocognitive endpoints when compared to their severity-adjusted counterparts that were not supplemented (n = 36) after LTx with mean observation periods between four to five years. Moreover, supplementation with L-citrulline/arginine was not associated with an increase of disease-specific plasma arithmetic mean values for the respective amino acids when compared to the non-supplemented control cohort. CONCLUSION Although supplementation with L-citrulline/arginine is often continued after LTx, this pilot study does neither identify altered long-term anthropometric or neurocognitive health-related outcomes nor does it find an adequate biochemical response as reflected by the unaltered plasma arithmetic mean values for L-citrulline or L-arginine. Further prospective analyses in larger samples and even longer observation periods will provide more insight into the usefulness of long-term supplementation with L-citrulline/arginine for individuals with UCDs who have undergone LTx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Posset
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sven F Garbade
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Gleich
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandesh C S Nagamani
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrea L Gropman
- Children's National Health System and The George Washington School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Friederike Epp
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nesrine Ramdhouni
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ann-Catrin Druck
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georg F Hoffmann
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kölker
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Zielonka
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, and Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Yamazaki K, Kubara K, Ishii S, Kondo K, Suzuki Y, Miyazaki T, Mitsuhashi K, Ito M, Tsukahara K. Lipid nanoparticle-targeted mRNA formulation as a treatment for ornithine-transcarbamylase deficiency model mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:210-226. [PMID: 37520683 PMCID: PMC10372164 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) plays a significant role in the urea cycle, a metabolic pathway functioning in the liver to detoxify ammonia. OTC deficiency (OTCD) is the most prevalent urea cycle disorder. Here, we show that intravenously delivered human OTC (hOTC) mRNA by lipid nanoparticles (LNP) was an effective treatment for OTCD by restoring the urea cycle. We observed a homotrimer conformation of hOTC proteins produced by the mRNA-LNP in cells by cryo-electron microscopy. The immunohistochemistry revealed the mitochondria localization of produced hOTC proteins in hepatocytes in mice. In livers of mice intravenously injected with hOTC-mRNA/LNP at 1.0 mg/kg, the delivered hOTC mRNA levels steeply decreased with a half-life (t1/2) of 7.1 h, whereas the produced hOTC protein levels retained for 5 days and then declined with a t1/2 of 2.2 days. In OTCD model mice (high-protein diet-fed Otcspf-ash hemizygous males), a single dose of hOTC-mRNA/LNP at 3.0 mg/kg ameliorated hyperammonemia and weight loss with prolonged survival rate (22 days) compared with that of untreated mice (11 days). Weekly repeated doses at 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg were well tolerated in wild-type mice and showed a dose-dependent amelioration of survival rate in OTCD mice, thus, showing the therapeutic potential of LNP-formulated hOTC mRNA for OTCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuto Yamazaki
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Kenji Kubara
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Satoko Ishii
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Keita Kondo
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Yuta Suzuki
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Takayuki Miyazaki
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Kaoru Mitsuhashi
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Masashi Ito
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Kappei Tsukahara
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
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Jin X, Zeng X, Zhao D, Jiang N. Liver transplantation in rare late-onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency with central nervous system injury: A case report and review of the literature. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2765. [PMID: 36128655 PMCID: PMC9575608 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is a genetic metabolic disease. Its clinical manifestations are mainly central nervous system dysfunction caused by high blood ammonia. Late-onset OTCD combined with central nervous system injury has a poor therapeutic response, which is one of the main factors affecting the prognosis and quality of life of patients. liver transplantation (LT) has gradually become a radical treatment for OTCD, which has achieved good results. However, there is no consensus on the timing of LT and problems of nervous system damage and repair. METHODS We report the development of late-onset OTCD with central nervous system injury in an 11-year-old child who received liver transplantation at our transplant center. His first symptoms were nonprojectile vomiting, followed by irritability and disturbance of consciousness, after which the disease progressed rapidly and finally resulted in a coma. After liver transplantation, the child's consciousness returned to normal, muscle strength of the limbs gradually recovered from grade 0 to grade 4, and muscle tone gradually recovered from grade 4 to grade 1, suggesting that the motor nerves had gradually recovered. However, the child is currently mentally retarded, and the language center has not yet fully recovered.At the same time, we made a literature review of OTCD. CONCLUSION For OTCD patients with central nervous system injury, liver transplantation can fundamentally solve the problem of ammonia metabolism in the liver and avoids further damage to the central nervous system caused by hyperammonemia. At the same time, children's nervous systems are in the developmental stage when neuroplasticity is greatest. If liver transplantation is performed as soon as possible, nerve repair is still possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Division of Liver Surgery and Organ Transplantation Center, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinchen Zeng
- Division of Liver Surgery and Organ Transplantation Center, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dong Zhao
- Division of Liver Surgery and Organ Transplantation Center, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Division of Liver Surgery and Organ Transplantation Center, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen, China
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Bin Sawad A, Jackimiec J, Bechter M, Trucillo A, Lindsley K, Bhagat A, Uyei J, Diaz GA. Epidemiology, methods of diagnosis, and clinical management of patients with arginase 1 deficiency (ARG1-D): A systematic review. Mol Genet Metab 2022; 137:153-163. [PMID: 36049366 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arginase 1 Deficiency (ARG1-D) is a rare, progressive, metabolic disorder that is characterized by devastating manifestations driven by elevated plasma arginine levels. It typically presents in early childhood with spasticity (predominately affecting the lower limbs), mobility impairment, seizures, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. This systematic review aims to identify and describe the published evidence outlining the epidemiology, diagnosis methods, measures of disease progression, clinical management, and outcomes for ARG1-D patients. METHODS A comprehensive literature search across multiple databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, and a review of clinical studies in ClinicalTrials.gov (with results reported) was carried out per PRISMA guidelines on 20 April 2020 with no date restriction. Pre-defined eligibility criteria were used to identify studies with data specific to patients with ARG1-D. Two independent reviewers screened records and extracted data from included studies. Quality was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for non-comparative studies. RESULTS Overall, 55 records reporting 40 completed studies and 3 ongoing studies were included. Ten studies reported the prevalence of ARG1-D in the general population, with a median of 1 in 1,000,000. Frequently reported diagnostic methods included genetic testing, plasma arginine levels, and red blood cell arginase activity. However, routine newborn screening is not universally available, and lack of disease awareness may prevent early diagnosis or lead to misdiagnosis, as the disease has overlapping symptomology with other diseases, such as cerebral palsy. Common manifestations reported at time of diagnosis and assessed for disease progression included spasticity (predominately affecting the lower limbs), mobility impairment, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and seizures. Severe dietary protein restriction, essential amino acid supplementation, and nitrogen scavenger administration were the most commonly reported treatments among patients with ARG1-D. Only a few studies reported meaningful clinical outcomes of these interventions on intellectual disability, motor function and adaptive behavior assessment, hospitalization, or death. The overall quality of included studies was assessed as good according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. CONCLUSIONS Although ARG1-D is a rare disease, published evidence demonstrates a high burden of disease for patients. The current standard of care is ineffective at preventing disease progression. There remains a clear need for new treatment options as well as improved access to diagnostics and disease awareness to detect and initiate treatment before the onset of clinical manifestations to potentially enable more normal development, improve symptomatology, or prevent disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - George A Diaz
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics in the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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DORUM S, HAVALI C. Üre döngüsü bozuklukları klinik, laboratuvar ve genetik özellikleri: Tek merkez deneyimi. MUSTAFA KEMAL ÜNIVERSITESI TIP DERGISI 2022. [DOI: 10.17944/mkutfd.998813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Sen K, Whitehead M, Castillo Pinto C, Caldovic L, Gropman A. Fifteen years of urea cycle disorders brain research: Looking back, looking forward. Anal Biochem 2022; 636:114343. [PMID: 34637785 PMCID: PMC8671367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Urea cycle disorders (UCD) are inherited diseases resulting from deficiency in one of six enzymes or two carriers that are required to remove ammonia from the body. UCD may be associated with neurological damage encompassing a spectrum from asymptomatic/mild to severe encephalopathy, which results in most cases from Hyperammonemia (HA) and elevation of other neurotoxic intermediates of metabolism. Electroencephalography (EEG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Proton Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) are noninvasive measures of brain function and structure that can be used during HA to guide management and provide prognostic information, in addition to being research tools to understand the pathophysiology of UCD associated brain injury. The Urea Cycle Rare disorders Consortium (UCDC) has been invested in research to understand the immediate and downstream effects of hyperammonemia (HA) on brain using electroencephalogram (EEG) and multimodal brain MRI to establish early patterns of brain injury and to track recovery and prognosis. This review highlights the evolving knowledge about the impact of UCD and HA in particular on neurological injury and recovery and use of EEG and MRI to study and evaluate prognostic factors for risk and recovery. It recognizes the work of others and discusses the UCDC's prior work and future research priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuntal Sen
- Division of Neurogenetics and Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics, Children's National Hospital, Washington D.C., United States
| | - Matthew Whitehead
- Division of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington D.C., United States
| | | | - Ljubica Caldovic
- Childrens' Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington D.C., United States
| | - Andrea Gropman
- Division of Neurogenetics and Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics, Children's National Hospital, Washington D.C., United States.
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Vernon HJ, Manoli I. Milestones in treatments for inborn errors of metabolism: Reflections on Where chemistry and medicine meet. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:3350-3358. [PMID: 34165242 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
From Sir Archibald Garrod's initial description of the tetrad of albinism, alkaptonuria, cystinuria, and pentosuria to today, the field of medicine dedicated to inborn errors of metabolism has evolved from disease identification and mechanistic discovery to the development of therapies designed to subvert biochemical defects. In this review, we highlight major milestones in the treatment and diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism, starting with dietary therapy for phenylketonuria in the 1950s and 1960s, and ending with current approaches in genetic manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary J Vernon
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Irini Manoli
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Molema F, Martinelli D, Hörster F, Kölker S, Tangeraas T, de Koning B, Dionisi‐Vici C, Williams M. Liver and/or kidney transplantation in amino and organic acid-related inborn errors of metabolism: An overview on European data. J Inherit Metab Dis 2021; 44:593-605. [PMID: 32996606 PMCID: PMC8247334 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study provides a general overview on liver and/or kidney transplantation in patients with an amino and organic acid-related disorder (AOA) with the aim to investigate patient characteristics and global outcome in Europe. This study was an initiative of the E-IMD and the AOA subnetwork of MetabERN. METHODS A questionnaire was sent to all clinically active European Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM) members. The questionnaire focused on transplanted individuals with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), propionic acidemia (PA), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), and urea-cycle disorders (UCDs). RESULTS We identified 280 transplanted AOA patients (liver transplantation in 20 MMA, 37 PA, 47 MSUD, and 111 UCD patients, kidney or combined liver and kidney transplantation in 57 MMA patients and undefined transplantation type in 8 MMA patients), followed by 51 metabolic centers. At a median follow-up of 3.5 years, posttransplant survival ranged between 78% and 100%, being the lowest in PA patients. Overall, the risk of mortality was highest within 14 days posttransplantation. Neurological complications were mainly reported in Mut0 type MMA (n = 8). Nonneurological complications occurred in MMA (n = 28), PA (n = 7), and UCD (n = 14) patients, while it was virtually absent in MSUD patients. Only 116/280 patients were psychologically tested. In all, except MSUD patients, the intelligence quotient (IQ) remained unchanged in the majority (76/94, 81%). Forty-one percentage (9/22) of MSUD patient showed improved IQ. CONCLUSION The survival in AOA individuals receiving liver and/or kidney transplantation seems satisfactory. Evidence-based guidelines, systematic data collection, and improved cooperation between transplantation centers and European Reference Networks are indispensable to improve patient care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke Molema
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic DiseasesErasmus MC University Medical Center, AOA subgroup MetabERNRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Subnetwork for Amino and Organic Acid‐Related Disorders (AOA)European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN)UdineItaly
| | - Diego Martinelli
- Subnetwork for Amino and Organic Acid‐Related Disorders (AOA)European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN)UdineItaly
- U.O.C. Patologia MetabolicaOspedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, AOA Subgroup MetabERNRomeItaly
| | - Friederike Hörster
- Subnetwork for Amino and Organic Acid‐Related Disorders (AOA)European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN)UdineItaly
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neuropaediatrics and Metabolic MedicineUniversity Hospital Heidelberg, AOA Subgroup MetabERNHeidelbergGermany
| | - Stefan Kölker
- Subnetwork for Amino and Organic Acid‐Related Disorders (AOA)European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN)UdineItaly
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neuropaediatrics and Metabolic MedicineUniversity Hospital Heidelberg, AOA Subgroup MetabERNHeidelbergGermany
| | - Trine Tangeraas
- Subnetwork for Amino and Organic Acid‐Related Disorders (AOA)European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN)UdineItaly
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, AOA subgroup MetabERNOslo University Hospital RikshospitaletOsloNorway
| | - Barbara de Koning
- Department of Paediatric Gastro‐EnterologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Carlo Dionisi‐Vici
- Subnetwork for Amino and Organic Acid‐Related Disorders (AOA)European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN)UdineItaly
- U.O.C. Patologia MetabolicaOspedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, AOA Subgroup MetabERNRomeItaly
| | - Monique Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic DiseasesErasmus MC University Medical Center, AOA subgroup MetabERNRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Subnetwork for Amino and Organic Acid‐Related Disorders (AOA)European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN)UdineItaly
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Saritaş Nakip Ö, Yıldız Y, Tokatlı A. Retrospective evaluation of 85 patients with urea cycle disorders: one center experience, three new mutations. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2020; 33:721-728. [PMID: 32447331 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2019-0413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are rare hereditary diseases. This study was conducted to help identify the characteristics of UCDs in Turkey. Methods The primary outcome was to determine patient characteristics. Investigating the relationships between the patient outcomes and ammonia levels were the secondary outcomes. Eighty five patients from 79 families, diagnosed with UCD at a single metabolic referral center between 1979 and 2017, were included. Clinical and laboratory data were retrieved retrospectively from hospital records. Results Classical citrullinemia was the most common type of UCD; citrin deficiency and carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 deficiency (CPS1D) were the rarest. One thirty one hyperammonemic episodes were recorded. The peak ammonia levels were found to be significantly associated with polycythemia and hypocalcemia at presentation. The median peak ammonia values of the patients who died were higher than those of the survivors. The highest mortality rate was in the classical citrullinemia group. The mortality rate of the first hyperammonemic crisis was 28.6%, while it was 6.7% in subsequent episodes with an odds ratio of 4.28 (95% CI: 1.67-11.0) (p=0.001). Forty-four patients underwent genetic analysis and genetic variants were detected in 42 patients (95%). Three of the detected variants have not been previously reported. Conclusions This is the largest UCD series in Turkey and may serve as a guide to clinical, biochemical and genetic features of UCDs in our country. Prevention of hyperammonemia may be the most influential measure to improve long term survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Saritaş Nakip
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University İhsan Doğramacı Children's Hospital, 06230, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yılmaz Yıldız
- Hacettepe University İhsan Doğramacı Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Tokatlı
- Hacettepe University İhsan Doğramacı Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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11
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Gerstein MT, Markus AR, Gianattasio KZ, Le Mons C, Bartos J, Stevens DM, Mew NA. Choosing between medical management and liver transplant in urea cycle disorders: A conceptual framework for parental treatment decision-making in rare disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2020; 43:438-458. [PMID: 31883128 PMCID: PMC7318329 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Urea cycle disorders (UCD) are rare inherited metabolic disorders caused by deficiencies of enzymes and transporters required to convert neurotoxic ammonia into urea. These deficiencies cause elevated blood ammonia, which if untreated may result in death, but even with optimal medical management, often results in recurrent brain damage. There are two major treatments for UCD: medical management or liver transplantation. Both are associated with mortality and morbidity but the evidence comparing outcomes is sparse. Thus, families face a dilemma: should their child be managed medically, or should they undergo a liver transplant? To (a) describe the factors that contribute to treatment choice among parents of children diagnosed with UCD and to (b) organise these factors into a conceptual framework that reflects how these issues interrelate to shape the decision-making experience of this population. Utilising grounded theory, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with parents (N = 35) and providers (N = 26) of children diagnosed with UCD and parent focus groups (N = 19). Thematic content analysis and selective and axial coding were applied. The framework highlights the life-cycle catalysts that frame families' personal perceptions of risks and benefits and describes the clinical, personal, social, and system factors that drive treatment choice including disease severity, stability, and burden, independence, peer experiences, and cost, coverage and access to quality care. Findings equip providers with evidence upon which to prepare for productive patient interactions about treatment options. They also provide a foundation for the development of patient-centred outcome measures to better evaluate effectiveness of treatments in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya T. Gerstein
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Milken Institute School of Public HealthThe George Washington UniversityWashingtonDistrict of Columbia
| | - Anne R. Markus
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Milken Institute School of Public HealthThe George Washington UniversityWashingtonDistrict of Columbia
| | - Kan Z. Gianattasio
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Milken Institute School of Public HealthThe George Washington UniversityWashingtonDistrict of Columbia
| | | | - Janice Bartos
- National Urea Cycle Disorders FoundationPasadenaCalifornia
| | - David M. Stevens
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Milken Institute School of Public HealthThe George Washington UniversityWashingtonDistrict of Columbia
| | - Nicholas Ah Mew
- Rare Disease Institute, Children's National Health SystemWashingtonDistrict of Columbia
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12
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Li L, Jiang M, Li Y, Su J, Li L, Qu X, Fan L. 1H-NMR Metabolomics Analysis of the Effect of Rubusoside on Serum Metabolites of Golden Hamsters on a High-Fat Diet. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25061274. [PMID: 32168894 PMCID: PMC7143983 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Rubusoside is a natural sweetener and the active component of Rubus suavissimus. The preventive and therapeutic effect of rubusoside on high-fat diet-induced (HFD) serum metabolite changes in golden hamsters was analyzed by 1H-NMR metabolomics to explore the underlying mechanism of lipid metabolism regulation. 1H-NMR serum metabolomics analyses revealed a disturbed amino acid-, sugar-, fat-, and energy metabolism in HFD animals. Animals supplemented with rubusoside can partly reverse the metabolism disorders induced by high-fat diet and exerted good anti-hypertriglyceridemia effect by intervening in some major metabolic pathways, involving amino acid metabolism, synthesis of ketone bodies, as well as choline and 4-hydroxyphenylacetate metabolism. This study indicates that rubusoside can interfere with and normalize high-fat diet-induced metabolic changes in serum and could provide a theoretical basis to establish rubusoside as a potentially therapeutic tool able to revert or prevent lipid metabolism disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530001, China; (L.L.); (M.J.); (Y.L.); (L.L.)
| | - Manjing Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530001, China; (L.L.); (M.J.); (Y.L.); (L.L.)
| | - Yaohua Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530001, China; (L.L.); (M.J.); (Y.L.); (L.L.)
| | - Jian Su
- Guangxi Scientific Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530001, China;
| | - Li Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530001, China; (L.L.); (M.J.); (Y.L.); (L.L.)
| | - Xiaosheng Qu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Southwest Endangered Medicinal Resources Development, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning 530023, China
- Correspondence: (X.Q.); (L.F.); Tel./Fax: +86-771-560-1290 (X.Q.); +86-771-495-3513 (L.F.)
| | - Lanlan Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530001, China; (L.L.); (M.J.); (Y.L.); (L.L.)
- Correspondence: (X.Q.); (L.F.); Tel./Fax: +86-771-560-1290 (X.Q.); +86-771-495-3513 (L.F.)
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13
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Maharaj R, Kota V, Singh B, Kapoor D, Nageswara Rao PB, Moode J, Dekate J, Nathani P. Living Donor Liver Transplantation in a Paediatric Patient With Citrullinaemia Type 2. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2020; 10:525-528. [PMID: 33029059 PMCID: PMC7527851 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Citrullinaemia is a urea cycle defect that results from a deficiency of the enzyme arginosuccinate synthetase. Type 1 disease is diagnosed in childhood, whereas type 2 disease is adult onset. But, we report the outcome in a boy (13 years) with citrullinaemia type 2 who received a live donor liver transplant (LDLT) at our centre. One advantage of LDLT over deceased donor liver transplantation is the opportunity to schedule surgery, which beneficially affects neurological consequences. In conclusion, transplantation should be considered to be the definitive treatment for citrullinaemia type 2 at this stage, although some issues remain unresolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Maharaj
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology& Liver Transplant, Global Hospital, Hyderabad, Telanagana, India,Address for Correspondence: Rajiv Maharaj, FACS , FMAS, DNB , FMIAS, FAIS, Department of Surgical gastroenterology and Liver transplantation, Gleneagles Global hospital 6-1-1040/1- lakdikapul, Hyderabad Telangana, India.
| | - Venugopal Kota
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology& Liver Transplant, Global Hospital, Hyderabad, Telanagana, India
| | - Balbir Singh
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology& Liver Transplant, Global Hospital, Hyderabad, Telanagana, India
| | - Dharmesh Kapoor
- Head of the Department of Hepatology, Global Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | - Jayanth Moode
- Department of Liver Transplant Surgery, Global Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Jyoti Dekate
- Departmant of Pathology, Global Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Priya Nathani
- Departmant of Radiology, Global Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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14
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Häberle J, Burlina A, Chakrapani A, Dixon M, Karall D, Lindner M, Mandel H, Martinelli D, Pintos-Morell G, Santer R, Skouma A, Servais A, Tal G, Rubio V, Huemer M, Dionisi-Vici C. Suggested guidelines for the diagnosis and management of urea cycle disorders: First revision. J Inherit Metab Dis 2019; 42:1192-1230. [PMID: 30982989 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In 2012, we published guidelines summarizing and evaluating late 2011 evidence for diagnosis and therapy of urea cycle disorders (UCDs). With 1:35 000 estimated incidence, UCDs cause hyperammonemia of neonatal (~50%) or late onset that can lead to intellectual disability or death, even while effective therapies do exist. In the 7 years that have elapsed since the first guideline was published, abundant novel information has accumulated, experience on newborn screening for some UCDs has widened, a novel hyperammonemia-causing genetic disorder has been reported, glycerol phenylbutyrate has been introduced as a treatment, and novel promising therapeutic avenues (including gene therapy) have been opened. Several factors including the impact of the first edition of these guidelines (frequently read and quoted) may have increased awareness among health professionals and patient families. However, under-recognition and delayed diagnosis of UCDs still appear widespread. It was therefore necessary to revise the original guidelines to ensure an up-to-date frame of reference for professionals and patients as well as for awareness campaigns. This was accomplished by keeping the original spirit of providing a trans-European consensus based on robust evidence (scored with GRADE methodology), involving professionals on UCDs from nine countries in preparing this consensus. We believe this revised guideline, which has been reviewed by several societies that are involved in the management of UCDs, will have a positive impact on the outcomes of patients by establishing common standards, and spreading and harmonizing good practices. It may also promote the identification of knowledge voids to be filled by future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Häberle
- University Children's Hospital Zurich and Children's Research Centre, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Burlina
- Division of Inborn Metabolic Disease, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Anupam Chakrapani
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Marjorie Dixon
- Dietetics, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Daniela Karall
- Clinic for Pediatrics, Division of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Lindner
- University Children's Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hanna Mandel
- Institute of Human Genetics and metabolic disorders, Western Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Diego Martinelli
- Division of Metabolism, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Guillem Pintos-Morell
- Centre for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERER_GCV08, Research Institute IGTP, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - René Santer
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anastasia Skouma
- Institute of Child Health, Agia Sofia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Aude Servais
- Service de Néphrologie et maladies métaboliques adulte Hôpital Necker 149, Paris, France
| | - Galit Tal
- The Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Vicente Rubio
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red para Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
| | - Martina Huemer
- University Children's Hospital Zurich and Children's Research Centre, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Paediatrics, Landeskrankenhaus Bregenz, Bregenz, Austria
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15
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Asrani KH, Cheng L, Cheng CJ, Subramanian RR. Arginase I mRNA therapy - a novel approach to rescue arginase 1 enzyme deficiency. RNA Biol 2018; 15:914-922. [PMID: 29923457 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2018.1475178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginase I (ARG1) deficiency is an autosomal recessive urea cycle disorder, caused by deficiency of the enzyme Arginase I, resulting in accumulation of arginine in blood. Current Standard of Care (SOC) for ARG1 deficiency in patients or those having detrimental mutations of ARG1 gene is diet control. Despite diet and drug therapy with nitrogen scavengers, ~25% of patients suffer from severe mental deficits and loss of ambulation. 75% of patients whose symptoms can be managed through diet therapy continue to suffer neuro-cognitive deficits. In our research, we demonstrate in vitro and in vivo that administration of ARG1 mRNA increased ARG1 protein expression and specific activity in relevant cell types, including ARG1-deficient patient cell lines, as well as in wild type mice for up to 4 days. These studies demonstrate that ARG1 mRNA treatment led to increased functional protein expression of ARG1 and subsequently an increase in urea. Hence, ARG1 mRNA therapy could be a potential treatment option to develop for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirtika H Asrani
- a Discovery Research Cambridge , Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Lei Cheng
- a Discovery Research Cambridge , Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Christopher J Cheng
- b Nucleic Acid Technology , Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Romesh R Subramanian
- a Discovery Research Cambridge , Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Cambridge , MA , USA
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16
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Wilnai Y, Blumenfeld YJ, Cusmano K, Hintz SR, Alcorn D, Benitz WE, Berquist WE, Bernstein JA, Castillo RO, Concepcion W, Cowan TM, Cox KL, Lyell DJ, Esquivel CO, Homeyer M, Hudgins L, Hurwitz M, Palma JP, Schelley S, Akula VP, Summar ML, Enns GM. Prenatal treatment of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Mol Genet Metab 2018; 123:297-300. [PMID: 29396029 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF STUDY Patients with neonatal urea cycle defects (UCDs) typically experience severe hyperammonemia during the first days of life, which results in serious neurological injury or death. Long-term prognosis despite optimal pharmacological and dietary therapy is still poor. The combination of intravenous sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate (Ammonul®) can eliminate nitrogen waste independent of the urea cycle. We report attempts to improve outcomes for males with severe ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), a severe X-linked condition, via prenatal intravenous administration of Ammonul and arginine to heterozygous carrier females of OTCD during labor. METHODS USED Two heterozygote OTCD mothers carrying male fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of OTCD received intravenous Ammonul, arginine and dextrose-containing fluids shortly before birth. Maintenance Ammonul and arginine infusions and high-caloric enteral nutrition were started immediately after birth. Ammonul metabolites were measured in umbilical cord blood and the blood of the newborn immediately after delivery. Serial ammonia and biochemical analyses were performed following delivery. SUMMARY OF RESULTS Therapeutic concentrations of Ammonul metabolites were detected in umbilical cord and neonatal blood samples. Plasma ammonia and glutamine levels in the postnatal period were within the normal range. Peak ammonia levels in the first 24-48h were 53mcmol/l and 62mcmol/l respectively. The boys did not experience neurological sequelae secondary to hyperammonemia and received liver transplantation at ages 3months and 5months. The patients show normal development at ages 7 and 3years. CONCLUSION Prenatal treatment of mothers who harbor severe OTCD mutations and carry affected male fetuses with intravenous Ammonul and arginine, followed by immediate institution of maintenance infusions after delivery, results in therapeutic levels of benzoate and phenylacetate in the newborn at delivery and, in conjunction with high-caloric enteral nutrition, prevents acute hyperammonemia and neurological decompensation. Following initial medical management, early liver transplantation may improve developmental outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Wilnai
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Yair J Blumenfeld
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kristina Cusmano
- Department of Genetics and Metabolism, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Susan R Hintz
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ricardo O Castillo
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Waldo Concepcion
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Tina M Cowan
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth L Cox
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Deirdre J Lyell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Melissa Hurwitz
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Marshall L Summar
- Department of Genetics and Metabolism, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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17
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Kido J, Matsumoto S, Momosaki K, Sakamoto R, Mitsubuchi H, Endo F, Nakamura K. Liver transplantation may prevent neurodevelopmental deterioration in high-risk patients with urea cycle disorders. Pediatr Transplant 2017; 21. [PMID: 28608518 DOI: 10.1111/petr.12987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UCDs are among the most common inherited metabolic diseases in Japan. We investigated the clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognoses of 177 patients with UCDs who were evaluated and treated from January 1999 to March 2009 in Japan, using a questionnaire survey. Among these 177 patients, 42 (seven with carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency, 27 with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, seven with argininosuccinate synthetase deficiency, and one with arginase 1 deficiency) underwent living-donor LT. Although this study was retrospective and included limited neurodevelopmental information before and after LT, we evaluated whether LT could improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in patients with UCDs. The neurodevelopmental outcomes of patients with a MAC of <300 μmol/L at the time of onset were not significantly different between the LT and non-LT groups (P=.222). LT may have prevented further neurodevelopmental complications in children with MAC ≥300 μmol/L (P=.008) compared with non-transplant management. Therefore, Liver transplant should be considered in patients with UCD with a MAC of ≥300 μmol/L at the time of disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Kido
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shirou Matsumoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ken Momosaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Rieko Sakamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mitsubuchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Fumio Endo
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kimitoshi Nakamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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18
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Abstract
Even though auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) as a technique was popularized in the late 80s, its role in metabolic liver disease remains controversial. The slow progress in gene therapy research, high incidence of technical complications, and the problem of long term graft atrophy have been roadblocks to its wider application. Better understanding of reciprocal dynamics of portal flow and regeneration between the graft and native liver along with multiple refinements in surgical technique have improved the outcomes of this operation, making it a safe alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation for patients with a wide range of noncirrhotic metabolic liver diseases (NCMLD). The ability to perform APOLT safely has also opened up a range of exciting indications in the setting of NCMLD. This article reviews the current status of APOLT for NCMLD, technical refinements which have improved outcomes and novel indications, which have rekindled fresh interest in this procedure.
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19
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Diez-Fernandez C, Rüfenacht V, Häberle J. Mutations in the Human Argininosuccinate Synthetase (ASS1) Gene, Impact on Patients, Common Changes, and Structural Considerations. Hum Mutat 2017; 38:471-484. [DOI: 10.1002/humu.23184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Diez-Fernandez
- Division of Metabolism; University Children´s Hospital and Children's Research Center; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Véronique Rüfenacht
- Division of Metabolism; University Children´s Hospital and Children's Research Center; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Johannes Häberle
- Division of Metabolism; University Children´s Hospital and Children's Research Center; Zurich Switzerland
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20
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Sin YY, Baron G, Schulze A, Funk CD. Arginase-1 deficiency. J Mol Med (Berl) 2015; 93:1287-96. [PMID: 26467175 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-015-1354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Arginase-1 (ARG1) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that affects the liver-based urea cycle, leading to impaired ureagenesis. This genetic disorder is caused by 40+ mutations found fairly uniformly spread throughout the ARG1 gene, resulting in partial or complete loss of enzyme function, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of arginine to ornithine and urea. ARG1-deficient patients exhibit hyperargininemia with spastic paraparesis, progressive neurological and intellectual impairment, persistent growth retardation, and infrequent episodes of hyperammonemia, a clinical pattern that differs strikingly from other urea cycle disorders. This review briefly highlights the current understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of ARG1 deficiency derived from clinical case reports and therapeutic strategies stretching over several decades and reports on several exciting new developments regarding the pathophysiology of the disorder using ARG1 global and inducible knockout mouse models. Gene transfer studies in these mice are revealing potential therapeutic options that can be exploited in the future. However, caution is advised in extrapolating results since the lethal disease phenotype in mice is much more severe than in humans indicating that the mouse models may not precisely recapitulate human disease etiology. Finally, some of the functions and implications of ARG1 in non-urea cycle activities are considered. Lingering questions and future areas to be addressed relating to the clinical manifestations of ARG1 deficiency in liver and brain are also presented. Hopefully, this review will spark invigorated research efforts that lead to treatments with better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yan Sin
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, 433 Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Garrett Baron
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, 433 Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Andreas Schulze
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Genetics and Genome Biology Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Colin D Funk
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, 433 Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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21
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Bolton SM, Campbell KM, Kukreja M, Kohli R. Neurologic outcome of urea cycle disorder liver transplant recipients may be predicted by pretransplant neurological imaging. Pediatr Transplant 2015; 19:527-30. [PMID: 25968590 PMCID: PMC4485533 DOI: 10.1111/petr.12520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Liver transplantation treats the hepatic affectation of UCDs; however, irreversible neurologic damage pretransplant is difficult to assess providing transplant teams with ethical dilemmas for liver transplantation. The purpose of our study was to determine whether pretransplant neuroimaging can predict developmental outcomes post-liver-transplant in children with UCDs. METHODS Patients undergoing liver transplantation for UCDs at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center between 2002 and 2012 were identified. Neurologic assessments prior to and after transplantation were categorized into mild, moderate, or severe disability. Neuroimaging data were categorized into mild, moderate, or severe by a single pediatric neuroradiologist. RESULTS Fifteen patients were identified of whom eight had neuroimaging prior to transplantation. Of the eight patients that had neuroimaging, four were categorized as severe, one moderate, and three no-to-mild delay. All four patients whose imaging was severe were found to have moderate-to-severe neurologic delay. Of the three patients with no-to-mild changes on neuroimaging two of three were found to have no-to-mild delay on developmental assessments after transplantation. CONCLUSION Neuroimaging may be a helpful tool in determining developmental prognosis and outcomes post-liver-transplantation for UCDs. Further studies maybe needed to validate our preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M. Bolton
- Pediatric Liver Care Center; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH USA
| | - Kathleen M. Campbell
- Pediatric Liver Care Center; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH USA
| | - Marcia Kukreja
- Pediatric Liver Care Center; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH USA
| | - Rohit Kohli
- Pediatric Liver Care Center; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH USA
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22
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Hyperargininemia due to arginase I deficiency: the original patients and their natural history, and a review of the literature. Amino Acids 2015; 47:1751-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2032-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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23
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Batshaw ML, Tuchman M, Summar M, Seminara J. A longitudinal study of urea cycle disorders. Mol Genet Metab 2014; 113:127-30. [PMID: 25135652 PMCID: PMC4178008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium (UCDC) is a member of the NIH funded Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network and is performing a longitudinal study of 8 urea cycle disorders (UCDs) with initial enrollment beginning in 2006. The consortium consists of 14 sites in the U.S., Canada and Europe. This report summarizes data mining studies of 614 patients with UCDs enrolled in the UCDC's longitudinal study protocol. The most common disorder is ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, accounting for more than half of the participants. We calculated the overall prevalence of urea cycle disorders to be 1/35,000, with 2/3rds presenting initial symptoms after the newborn period. We found the mortality rate to be 24% in neonatal onset cases and 11% in late onset cases. The most common precipitant of clinical hyperammonemic episodes in the post-neonatal period was intercurrent infections. Elevations in both blood ammonia and glutamine appeared to be biomarkers for neurocognitive outcome. In terms of chronic treatment, low protein diet appeared to result in normal weight but decreased linear growth while N-scavenger therapy with phenylbutyrate resulted in low levels of branched chain amino acids. Finally, we found an unexpectedly high risk for hepatic dysfunction in patients with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. This natural history study illustrates how a collaborative study of a rare genetic disorder can result in an improved understanding of morbidity and disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Batshaw
- Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, USA.
| | - Mendel Tuchman
- Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, USA.
| | - Marshall Summar
- Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, USA.
| | - Jennifer Seminara
- Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, USA.
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Dreyzin A, Barnato A, Soltys K, Farris C, Sada R, Haberman K, Fox I. Parent perspectives on decisions to participate in a phase I hepatocyte transplant trial. Pediatr Transplant 2014; 18:112-9. [PMID: 24251638 PMCID: PMC3897265 DOI: 10.1111/petr.12190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We examined factors that affect decision-making for families presented with a phase I clinical trial of hepatocyte transplant as a potential alternative to liver transplant for their children among two groups: (i) families who were actually offered enrollment in the hepatocyte trial and; (ii) families whose children had liver transplants before the trial was available. We conducted semi-structured interviews about actual and hypothetical decision-making regarding trial participation and used grounded theory analysis to identify common themes. The most common motivator for participation was decline in the child's health. The most common deterrent was lack of data from prior hepatocyte transplants, particularly when compared with data available about liver transplant. Interviewees' point of comparison for evaluating relative benefits and risks of hepatocyte transplant oscillated between the alternative of doing nothing while waiting for a liver (the relevant alternative) vs. the alternative of getting a liver. These results suggest that families' reluctance to participate may result from misconceptions about severity of the child's disease, underestimating risks of liver transplant, or confusion about the role of hepatocyte transplant in the treatment pathway. Clarification of available treatment alternatives and associated risks as part of informed consent may improve the quality of decision-making regarding trial enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amber Barnato
- Section of Decision Sciences, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Kyle Soltys
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Rachel Sada
- Department of Surgery, and McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Kimberly Haberman
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ira Fox
- Department of Surgery, and McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA
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25
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Perito ER, Rhee S, Roberts JP, Rosenthal P. Pediatric liver transplantation for urea cycle disorders and organic acidemias: United Network for Organ Sharing data for 2002-2012. Liver Transpl 2014; 20:89-99. [PMID: 24136671 PMCID: PMC3877181 DOI: 10.1002/lt.23765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Decision making concerning liver transplantation is unique for children with urea cycle disorders (UCDs) and organic acidemias (OAs) because of their immediate high priority on the waiting list, which is not related to the severity of their disease. There are limited national outcome data on which recommendations about liver transplantation for UCDs or OAs can be based. This study was a retrospective analysis of United Network for Organ Sharing data for liver recipients who underwent transplantation at an age < 18 years in 2002-2012. Repeat transplants were excluded. Among the pediatric liver transplants, 5.4% were liver-only for UCDs/OAs. The proportion of transplants for UCDs/OAs increased from 4.3% in 2002-2005 to 7.4% in 2010-2012 (P < 0.001). Ninety-six percent were deceased donor transplants, and 59% of these patients underwent transplantation at <2 years of age. Graft survival improved as the age at transplant increased (P = 0.04). Within 5 years after transplantation, the graft survival rate was 78% for children < 2 years old at transplant and 88% for children ≥ 2 years old at transplant (P = 0.06). Vascular thrombosis caused 44% of the graft losses, and 65% of these losses occurred in children < 2 years old. Patient survival also improved as the age at transplant increased: the 5-year patient survival rate was 88% for children with UCDs/OAs who were <2 years old at transplant and 99% for children who were ≥2 years old at transplant (P = 0.006). At the last-follow-up (54 ± 34.4 months), children who underwent transplantation for UCDs/OAs were more likely to have cognitive and motor delays than children who underwent transplantation for other indications. Cognitive and motor delays for children with UCDs/OAs were associated with metabolic disorders, but they were not predicted by age or weight at transplant, sex, ethnicity, liver graft type (split versus whole), or hospitalization at transplant in univariate and multivariate analyses. In conclusion, most liver transplants for UCDs/OAs occur in early childhood. Further research on the benefits of early transplantation for patients with UCDs/OAs is needed because a younger age may increase posttransplant morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Perito
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Sue Rhee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - John Paul Roberts
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Philip Rosenthal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco,Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
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26
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Fagiuoli S, Daina E, D'Antiga L, Colledan M, Remuzzi G. Monogenic diseases that can be cured by liver transplantation. J Hepatol 2013; 59:595-612. [PMID: 23578885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
While the prevalence of most diseases caused by single-gene mutations is low and defines them as rare conditions, all together, monogenic diseases account for approximately 10 in every 1000 births according to the World Health Organisation. Orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) could offer a therapeutic option in monogenic diseases in two ways: by substituting for an injured liver or by supplying a tissue that can replace a mutant protein. In this respect, LT may be regarded as the correction of a disease at the level of the dysfunctional protein. Monogenic diseases that involve the liver represent a heterogeneous group of disorders. In conditions associated with predominant liver parenchymal damage (i.e., genetic cholestatic disorders, Wilson's disease, hereditary hemochromatosis, tyrosinemia, α1 antitrypsin deficiency), hepatic complications are the major source of morbidity and LT not only replaces a dysfunctional liver but also corrects the genetic defect and effectively cures the disease. A second group includes liver-based genetic disorders characterised by an architecturally near-normal liver (urea cycle disorders, Crigler-Najjar syndrome, familial amyloid polyneuropathy, primary hyperoxaluria type 1, atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome-1). In these defects, extrahepatic complications are the main source of morbidity and mortality while liver function is relatively preserved. Combined transplantation of other organs may be required, and other surgical techniques, such as domino and auxiliary liver transplantation, have been attempted. In a third group of monogenic diseases, the underlying genetic defect is expressed at a systemic level and liver involvement is just one of the clinical manifestations. In these conditions, LT might only be partially curative since the abnormal phenotype is maintained by extrahepatic synthesis of the toxic metabolites (i.e., methylmalonic acidemia, propionic acidemia). This review focuses on principles of diagnosis, management and LT results in both paediatric and adult populations of selected liver-based monogenic diseases, which represent examples of different transplantation strategies, driven by the understanding of the expression of the underlying genetic defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Fagiuoli
- Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology, Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.
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27
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Kim IK, Niemi AK, Krueger C, Bonham CA, Concepcion W, Cowan TM, Enns GM, Esquivel CO. Liver transplantation for urea cycle disorders in pediatric patients: a single-center experience. Pediatr Transplant 2013; 17:158-67. [PMID: 23347504 DOI: 10.1111/petr.12041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
LT has emerged as a surgical treatment for UCDs. We hypothesize that LT can be safely and broadly utilized in the pediatric population to effectively prevent hyperammonemic crises and potentially improve neurocognitive outcomes. To determine the long-term outcomes of LT for UCDs, charts of children with UCD who underwent LT were retrospectively reviewed at an academic institution between July 2001 and May 2012. A total of 23 patients with UCD underwent LT at a mean age of 3.4 yr. Fifteen (65%) patients received a whole-liver graft, seven patients (30%) received a reduced-size graft, and one patient received a living donor graft. Mean five-yr patient survival was 100%, and allograft survival was 96%. Mean peak blood ammonia (NH(3) ) at presentation was 772 μmol/L (median 500, range 178-2969, normal <30-50). After transplantation, there were no episodes of hyperammonemia. Eleven patients were diagnosed with some degree of developmental delay before transplantation, which remained stable or improved after transplantation. Patients without developmental delay before transplantation maintained their cognitive abilities at long-term follow-up. LT was associated with the eradication of hyperammonemia, removal of dietary restrictions, and potentially improved neurocognitive development. Long-term follow-up is underway to evaluate whether LT at an early age (<1 yr) will attain improved neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene K Kim
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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28
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Wakiya T, Sanada Y, Urahashi T, Ihara Y, Yamada N, Okada N, Egami S, Sakamoto K, Murayama K, Hakamada K, Yasuda Y, Mizuta K. Living donor liver transplantation from an asymptomatic mother who was a carrier for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Pediatr Transplant 2012; 16:E196-200. [PMID: 22583334 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2012.01716.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) has been adopted as a radical treatment for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), yielding favorable outcomes. Despite the fact that it is an inheritable disease, a blood relative who is heterozygous for the disorder must sometimes be used as a liver donor for living donor LT. There is ongoing discussion regarding the use of heterozygous donors, however, to our knowledge, no cases where donation was determined based on the Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) activity before LT have been reported. Between May 2001 and April 2011, 17 patients were indicated for living donor LT because of OTCD at our facility. There were three cases with heterozygous donor candidate (17.6%). All heterozygous candidates underwent a liver biopsy to measure their OTC activity before LT and made efforts to secure the safety of the both donor and recipient. Two of 3 candidates had headaches sometimes, and their activity was less than 40%, and thus they were not employed as the donor. One candidate with 104.4% activity was employed, yielding favorable outcomes. Our current experience supported the effectiveness of our donation criteria, however it is necessary to collect sufficient data on a large number of patients to confirm the safety of the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Wakiya
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
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29
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Kido J, Nakamura K, Mitsubuchi H, Ohura T, Takayanagi M, Matsuo M, Yoshino M, Shigematsu Y, Yorifuji T, Kasahara M, Horikawa R, Endo F. Long-term outcome and intervention of urea cycle disorders in Japan. J Inherit Metab Dis 2012; 35:777-85. [PMID: 22167275 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-011-9427-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/20/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are one of the most frequently inherited metabolic diseases in Japan, with an estimated prevalence of 1 per 50,000 live births. Here, we investigated the clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis of 177 patients with UCDs who were evaluated and treated from January 1999 to March 2009. These included 77 cases of neonatal-onset UCDs and 91 cases of late-onset UCDs. The most common UCD was ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), which accounted for 116 out of 177 patients. This result is similar to a previous study performed between 1978 and 1995 in Japan: OTCD accounted for about two-thirds of the total number of UCD cases. We studied the relationship between prognosis and the peak blood ammonia level at the onset in 151 UCD patients. Compared with a previous survey conducted in Japan, we found that a greater number of patients survived without any mental retardation despite their peak blood ammonia levels being greater than 360 μmol/l. The 5-year survival rate of patients with OTCD improved to 86% for those with the neonatal-onset type and to 92% for those with the late-onset type. We hypothesize that the increased survival rate is due to early diagnosis and better treatments that are now available in Japan. It is very important to diagnose and treat UCDs, especially OTCD, when the blood ammonia levels in patients are low. The outcome in patients with low blood ammonia levels was better than that in patients with high blood ammonia levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Kido
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture 860-8556, Japan
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30
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Häberle J, Boddaert N, Burlina A, Chakrapani A, Dixon M, Huemer M, Karall D, Martinelli D, Crespo PS, Santer R, Servais A, Valayannopoulos V, Lindner M, Rubio V, Dionisi-Vici C. Suggested guidelines for the diagnosis and management of urea cycle disorders. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2012; 7:32. [PMID: 22642880 PMCID: PMC3488504 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-7-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 362] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are inborn errors of ammonia detoxification/arginine synthesis due to defects affecting the catalysts of the Krebs-Henseleit cycle (five core enzymes, one activating enzyme and one mitochondrial ornithine/citrulline antiporter) with an estimated incidence of 1:8.000. Patients present with hyperammonemia either shortly after birth (~50%) or, later at any age, leading to death or to severe neurological handicap in many survivors. Despite the existence of effective therapy with alternative pathway therapy and liver transplantation, outcomes remain poor. This may be related to underrecognition and delayed diagnosis due to the nonspecific clinical presentation and insufficient awareness of health care professionals because of disease rarity. These guidelines aim at providing a trans-European consensus to: guide practitioners, set standards of care and help awareness campaigns. To achieve these goals, the guidelines were developed using a Delphi methodology, by having professionals on UCDs across seven European countries to gather all the existing evidence, score it according to the SIGN evidence level system and draw a series of statements supported by an associated level of evidence. The guidelines were revised by external specialist consultants, unrelated authorities in the field of UCDs and practicing pediatricians in training. Although the evidence degree did hardly ever exceed level C (evidence from non-analytical studies like case reports and series), it was sufficient to guide practice on both acute and chronic presentations, address diagnosis, management, monitoring, outcomes, and psychosocial and ethical issues. Also, it identified knowledge voids that must be filled by future research. We believe these guidelines will help to: harmonise practice, set common standards and spread good practices with a positive impact on the outcomes of UCD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Häberle
- University Children’s Hospital Zurich and Children’s Research Centre, Zurich, 8032, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Boddaert
- Radiologie Hopital Necker, Service Radiologie Pediatrique, 149 Rue De Sevres, Paris 15, 75015, France
| | - Alberto Burlina
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Inborn Metabolic Disease, University Hospital Padua, Via Giustiniani 3, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Anupam Chakrapani
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, B4 6NH, United Kingdom
| | - Marjorie Dixon
- Dietetic Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - Martina Huemer
- Kinderabteilung, LKH Bregenz, Carl-Pedenz-Strasse 2, Bregenz, A-6900, Austria
| | - Daniela Karall
- University Children’s Hospital, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Diego Martinelli
- Division of Metabolism, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, Rome, I-00165, Italy
| | | | - René Santer
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Aude Servais
- Service de Néphrologie et maladies métaboliques adulte Hôpital Necker 149, rue de Sèvres, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Vassili Valayannopoulos
- Reference Center for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (MaMEA), Hopital Necker-Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sevres, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Martin Lindner
- University Children’s Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Vicente Rubio
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IBV-CSIC) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red para Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), C/ Jaume Roig 11, Valencia, 46010, Spain
| | - Carlo Dionisi-Vici
- Division of Metabolism, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, Rome, I-00165, Italy
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31
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Wakiya T, Sanada Y, Urahashi T, Ihara Y, Yamada N, Okada N, Ushijima K, Otomo S, Sakamoto K, Murayama K, Takayanagi M, Hakamada K, Yasuda Y, Mizuta K. Impact of enzyme activity assay on indication in liver transplantation for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Mol Genet Metab 2012; 105:404-7. [PMID: 22264779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2011.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2011] [Accepted: 12/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There are no objective and concrete guidelines for the management of Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD). Based on previous findings, we hypothesized that patients with OTCD have a low Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) activity in the liver, and therefore it would be better to determine the appropriate indications and optimal timing for liver transplantation (LT) based on the OTC activity. However, few data have so far been accumulated on the OTC activity in cases that are indicated for LT. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the OTC activity in cases that were indicated for LT. This study involved thirteen children with OTCD (8 males and 5 females) who underwent LT, and two females with OTCD who did not require LT. The OTC activity of the neonatal onset type ranged from 0% to 7.2%, while that of the late onset type who underwent LT ranged from 4.4% to 18.7%. The OTC activity of the late onset type which did not require LT was 33-38% based on a preoperative needle liver biopsy. Some late onset patients that underwent LT, showed an activity that was as low as that observed in the neonatal onset cases. This is the first report to show the results of measuring the OTC activity for serial OTCD cases indicated for LT. OTC activity might be an indicator to determine the indications for and the timing of LT in the late onset type, however, further investigations are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiichi Wakiya
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, Japan.
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32
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Hyperammonemia in review: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Pediatr Nephrol 2012; 27:207-22. [PMID: 21431427 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-011-1838-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2010] [Revised: 01/09/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ammonia is an important source of nitrogen and is required for amino acid synthesis. It is also necessary for normal acid-base balance. When present in high concentrations, ammonia is toxic. Endogenous ammonia intoxication can occur when there is impaired capacity of the body to excrete nitrogenous waste, as seen with congenital enzymatic deficiencies. A variety of environmental causes and medications may also lead to ammonia toxicity. Hyperammonemia refers to a clinical condition associated with elevated ammonia levels manifested by a variety of symptoms and signs, including significant central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. Appropriate and timely management requires a solid understanding of the fundamental pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment approaches available. The following review discusses the etiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of hyperammonemia.
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33
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De Bie I, Lemyre E, Lambert M. Favorable long-term outcome following severe neonatal hyperammonemic coma in a patient with argininosuccinate synthetase deficiency. JIMD Rep 2011; 1:83-8. [PMID: 23430833 DOI: 10.1007/8904_2011_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2010] [Revised: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This chapter reports on the sequelae-free 8-year follow-up with normal growth, intellectual development, and schooling of a boy with argininosuccinate synthetase deficiency (citrullinemia type I) who was rescued from severe neonatal hyperammonemic coma at 8 days of life (peak ammonia level of 1,058 μmol/L). Important clinical management aspects were: rapidity of response to emergency therapeutic measures that included specific drug regimen, protein restriction, optimal caloric intake and hemodialysis, short coma duration (14 h), possible neuroprotective effect of mild systemic hypothermia during the acute episode, long-term metabolic control with strict compliance to standard of care therapeutic and dietary regimens, active prevention of subsequent hyperammonemic episodes, and early neurodevelopmental evaluations and interventions. We conclude that good long-term neurological outcome following rescue from neonatal hyperammonemic coma is rarely reported but attainable. Prospective registries and interventional studies regrouping clinical data from urea cycle disorders patients will assist clinicians in instituting the appropriate therapeutic measures to provide the best prospect of positive long-term outcome for these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle De Bie
- Medical Genetics Division, Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, Canada, H3T-1C5,
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34
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Liver transplantation in an adult with citrullinaemia type 2. J Transplant 2011; 2011:176370. [PMID: 21647347 PMCID: PMC3103874 DOI: 10.1155/2011/176370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Citrullinaemia is a urea cycle defect that results from a deficiency of the enzyme arginosuccinate synthetase. Type 1 disease is diagnosed in childhood, whereas Type 2 disease is adult onset. We report the outcome of a patient with citrullinemia Type 2 who received a liver transplant at our center and the implications of this diagnosis in liver transplantation.
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35
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Wakiya T, Sanada Y, Mizuta K, Umehara M, Urahasi T, Egami S, Hishikawa S, Fujiwara T, Sakuma Y, Hyodo M, Murayama K, Hakamada K, Yasuda Y, Kawarasaki H. Living donor liver transplantation for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Pediatr Transplant 2011; 15:390-5. [PMID: 21585627 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2011.01494.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, the most common urea cycle disorder, causes hyperammonemic encephalopathy and has a poor prognosis. Recently, LT was introduced as a radical OTCD treatment, yielding favorable outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed LT results for OTCD at our facility. Twelve children with OTCD (six boys and six girls) accounted for 7.1% of the 170 children who underwent LDLT at our department between May 2001 and April 2010. Ages at LT ranged from nine months to 11 yr seven months. Post-operative follow-up period was 3-97 months. The post-operative survival rate was 91.7%. One patient died. Two patients who had neurological impairment preoperatively showed no alleviation after LT. All patients other than those who died or failed to show recovery from impairment achieved satisfactory quality-of-life improvement after LT. The outcomes of LDLT as a radical OTCD treatment have been satisfactory. However, neurological impairment associated with hyperammonemia is unlikely to subside even after LT. It is desirable henceforth that more objective and concrete guidelines for OTCD management be established to facilitate LDLT with optimal timing while avoiding the risk of hyperammonemic episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Wakiya
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan.
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36
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Stevenson T, Millan MT, Wayman K, Berquist WE, Sarwal M, Johnston EE, Esquivel CO, Enns GM. Long-term outcome following pediatric liver transplantation for metabolic disorders. Pediatr Transplant 2010; 14:268-75. [PMID: 19671092 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2009.01228.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In order to determine long-term outcome, including survival, growth and development, following liver transplantation in children with metabolic disorders, we retrospectively reviewed charts of 54 children with metabolic disorders evaluated from 1989-2005 for presenting symptoms, transplantation timing and indications, survival, metabolic parameters, growth, and development. Thirty-three patients underwent liver transplantation (12 received combined liver-kidney transplants) at a median age of 21 months. At a median follow-up of 3.6 yr, patient survival was 100%, and liver and kidney allograft survival was 92%, and 100%, respectively. For the group as a whole, weight Z scores improved and body mass index at follow-up was in the normal range. Two yr post-transplantation, psychomotor development improved significantly (p < 0.01), but mental skills did not; however, both indices were in the low-normal range of development. When compared to patients with biliary atresia, children with metabolic disorders showed significantly lower mental developmental scores at one and two yr post-transplantation (p < 0.05), but psychomotor developmental scores were not significantly different. We conclude that, in patients with metabolic disorders meeting indications for transplantation, liver transplantation or combined liver-kidney transplantation (for those with accompanying renal failure) is associated with excellent long-term survival, improved growth, and improved psychomotor development.
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37
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Campeau PM, Pivalizza PJ, Miller G, McBride K, Karpen S, Goss J, Lee BH. Early orthotopic liver transplantation in urea cycle defects: follow up of a developmental outcome study. Mol Genet Metab 2010; 100 Suppl 1:S84-7. [PMID: 20223690 PMCID: PMC2867349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2010.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2010] [Accepted: 02/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Patients with neonatal urea cycle defects (UCDs) typically have high mortality and poor neurological outcome unless they receive liver transplantation. Neurologic outcome may be better with liver transplantation before age one year. We report on a follow up on an initial prospective study performed to assess developmental outcome after early liver transplant using the Griffiths Scales. Developmental testing up to 7years after transplantation showed average developmental quotients (DQs) of 69 for four children who underwent transplantation before one year of age (latest DQs were 47, 63, 95 and 96), and 80 for a patient who underwent transplantation at 3years of age (latest DQ was 88). We conclude that a combination of early liver transplantation, aggressive metabolic management and early childhood intervention improve the neurologic outcome of children with UCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe M Campeau
- Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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38
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Seminara J, Tuchman M, Krivitzky L, Krischer J, Lee HS, LeMons C, Baumgartner M, Cederbaum S, Diaz GA, Feigenbaum A, Gallagher RC, Harding CO, Kerr DS, Lanpher B, Lee B, Lichter-Konecki U, McCandless SE, Merritt JL, Oster-Granite ML, Seashore MR, Stricker T, Summar M, Waisbren S, Yudkoff M, Batshaw ML. Establishing a consortium for the study of rare diseases: The Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium. Mol Genet Metab 2010; 100 Suppl 1:S97-105. [PMID: 20188616 PMCID: PMC2858794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2010.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Revised: 01/12/2010] [Accepted: 01/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium (UCDC) was created as part of a larger network established by the National Institutes of Health to study rare diseases. This paper reviews the UCDC's accomplishments over the first 6years, including how the Consortium was developed and organized, clinical research studies initiated, and the importance of creating partnerships with patient advocacy groups, philanthropic foundations and biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Seminara
- Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Mendel Tuchman
- Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Lauren Krivitzky
- Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Jeffrey Krischer
- Data Management and Coordinating Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Hye-Seung Lee
- Data Management and Coordinating Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Cynthia LeMons
- National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation, Pasadena, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Brendan Lanpher
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brendan Lee
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Uta Lichter-Konecki
- Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | | | | | - Mary Lou Oster-Granite
- National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Marshall Summar
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Marc Yudkoff
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mark L. Batshaw
- Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Corresponding author. Phone: 1- 202-476-4007; Fax: 1-202-476-5988; ; Address: Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA (ML Batshaw)
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39
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Meyburg J, Hoffmann GF. Liver, liver cell and stem cell transplantation for the treatment of urea cycle defects. Mol Genet Metab 2010; 100 Suppl 1:S77-83. [PMID: 20156696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2010.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2009] [Revised: 01/13/2010] [Accepted: 01/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in pharmacological therapy of urea cycle disorders (UCDs), the overall long-term prognosis is poor, especially for neonatal manifestations. Transplantation of liver tissue or isolated cells appears suitable for transfer of the missing enzyme. Liver transplantation (LT) for UCDs has an excellent 5-year survival rate of approximately 90% and is the only way to completely cure the disease. However, major neurological damage can only be prevented if the operation is performed during the first months of life. Unfortunately, such early LTs have a substantial risk for peri- and postoperative complications, mostly caused by a relatively large liver graft. Liver cell transplantation (LCT) is less invasive than LT, but has still to be regarded as an experimental therapy with about 100 patients treated since its first use in 1993. UCDs are a model disease for LCT, because of the poor prognosis, mainly hepatic enzyme defects, and excellent outcome after LT. So far, 10 children underwent LCT for UCDs with very few technical complications and encouraging clinical results. A first prospective study on its use in severe neonatal UCDs has recently started. However, availability of hepatocytes is limited by the scarcity of donor livers; therefore the use of stem cells is under investigation. Several different cell types may be regarded as liver stem cells, and in vivo transformation into hepatocyte-like cells has been shown in animal studies. However, a clear proof of principle in animal models of human metabolic disease is still missing, which is the prerequisite for clinical application in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Meyburg
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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40
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Abstract
The urea cycle is the final pathway for removal of surplus nitrogen from the body, and the major route in humans for detoxification of ammonia. The full complement of enzymes is expressed only in liver. Inherited deficiencies of urea cycle enzymes lead to hyperammonaemia, which causes brain damage. Severe defects present with hyperammonaemic crises in neonates. Equally devastating episodes may occur in previously asymptomatic adults with mild defects, most often X-linked ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency. Several mechanisms probably contribute to pathogenesis. Treatment aims to reduce plasma ammonia quickly, reduce production of waste nitrogen, dispose of waste nitrogen using alternative pathways to the urea cycle and replace arginine. These therapies have increased survival and probably improve the neurological outcome. Arginine, sodium benzoate, sodium phenylbutyrate and, less often, sodium phenylacetate are used. Long-term correction is achieved by liver transplantation. Gene therapy for OTC deficiency is effective in animals, and work is ongoing to improve persistence and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Walker
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK. valerie.walker @suht.swest.nhs.uk
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41
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Krivitzky L, Babikian T, Lee HS, Thomas NH, Burk-Paull KL, Batshaw ML. Intellectual, adaptive, and behavioral functioning in children with urea cycle disorders. Pediatr Res 2009; 66:96-101. [PMID: 19287347 PMCID: PMC2746951 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e3181a27a16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Inborn errors of urea synthesis lead to an accumulation of ammonia in blood and brain and result in high rates of mortality and neurodevelopmental disability. This study seeks to characterize the cognitive, adaptive, and emotional/behavioral functioning of children with urea cycle disorders (UCDs). These domains were measured through testing and parent questionnaires in 92 children with UCDs [33 neonatal onset (NO), 59 late onset (LO)]. Results indicate that children who present with NO have poorer outcome than those who present later in childhood. Approximately half of the children with NO performed in the range of intellectual disability (ID), including a substantial number ( approximately 30%) who were severely impaired. In comparison, only a quarter of the LO group was in the range of ID. There is also evidence that the UCD group has difficulties in aspects of emotional/behavioral and executive skills domains. In conclusion, children with UCDs present with a wide spectrum of cognitive outcomes. Children with NO disease have a much higher likelihood of having an ID, which becomes even more evident with increasing age. However, even children with LO UCDs demonstrate evidence of neurocognitive and behavioral impairment, particularly in aspects of attention and executive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Krivitzky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
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Bruggink JLM, van Spronsen FJ, Wijnberg-Williams BJ, Bos AF. Pilot use of the early motor repertoire in infants with inborn errors of metabolism: outcomes in early and middle childhood. Early Hum Dev 2009; 85:461-5. [PMID: 19403245 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2009.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2008] [Revised: 01/10/2009] [Accepted: 04/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predicting later outcome in neonates presenting with severe inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) is difficult. The assessment of the early motor repertoire is a reliable method of evaluating the integrity of the central nervous system in young infants. This method is based on an age-specific qualitative assessment of general movements (GMs, 0-8 weeks of age), fidgety movements (FMs) and the concurrent motor repertoire (9-20 weeks of age). AIM To determine the quality of the early motor repertoire (at 0-20 weeks post term age) in relation to later neurological outcome in infants with severe IEM. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. The quality of the motor repertoire was assessed from serial videotape recordings. SUBJECTS Five infants with IEM. Four presented with a severe IEM in the neonatal period: an undefined gluconeogenesis defect, propionic acidemia, arginosuccinate synthetase and arginosuccinate lyase deficiency. One neonate was antenatally diagnosed with arginosuccinate synthetase deficiency. OUTCOME MEASURES Outcome at the age of at least 18 m was determined by neurological examination and developmental tests. RESULTS All infants initially had abnormal GMs: hypokinesia, followed by GMs of a poor repertoire. The quality of the early motor repertoire normalised in 3 infants, and remained abnormal in 2. The more severe and persistent abnormalities of the motor repertoire were considered with the more abnormal neurological and developmental scores, later on. CONCLUSIONS The quality of the early motor repertoire might be related to later neurological outcome in infants with inborn errors of metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L M Bruggink
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Ishida T, Hiroma T, Hashikura Y, Horiuchi M, Kobayashi K, Nakamura T. Early neonatal onset carbamoyl-phosphate synthase 1 deficiency treated with continuous hemodiafiltration and early living-related liver transplantation. Pediatr Int 2009; 51:409-10. [PMID: 19500281 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-200x.2009.02831.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takefumi Ishida
- Division of Neonatology, Nagano Children's Hospital, Nagano 399-8288, Japan
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Brunetti-Pierri N, Clarke C, Mane V, Palmer DJ, Lanpher B, Sun Q, O'Brien W, Lee B. Phenotypic correction of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency using low dose helper-dependent adenoviral vectors. J Gene Med 2008; 10:890-6. [PMID: 18563850 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helper-dependent adenoviral vectors (HDAd) can mediate long-term phenotypic correction in the ornithine transacarbamylase (OTC)-deficient mice model with negligible chronic toxicity. However, the high doses required for metabolic correction will result in systemic inflammatory response syndrome in humans. This acute toxicity represents the major obstacle for clinical applications of HDAd vectors for the treatment of OTC deficiency. Strategies for reducing the dose necessary for disease correction are highly desirable because HDAd acute toxicity is clearly dose-dependent. METHODS We analysed a potent expression cassette and the hydrodynamic injection for the ability to reduce the HDAd dose necessary for phenotypic correction in OTC-deficient spf-ash mice. RESULTS We have developed a vector containing a potent expression cassette expressing the OTC transgene, which allowed phenotypic correction at lower doses. Our results suggest that vector expressing greater OTC levels allows correction of orotic acid overproduction at lower doses that make clinical translation more relevant. We were able to further reduce the minimal effective dose by delivering the vector through the hydrodynamic injection technique. CONCLUSIONS Vectors containing the expression cassette used in the present study, combined with other strategies for improving HDAd therapeutic index, will likely permit application of these vectors for the treatment of OTC deficiency as well as other urea cycle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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45
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Abstract
The aim of this article is to provide essential information for hepatologists, who primarily care for adults, regarding liver-based inborn errors of metabolism with particular reference to those that may be treatable with liver transplantation and to provide adequate references for more in-depth study should one of these disease states be encountered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli Hansen
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Division of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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46
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Abstract
The aim of this article is to provide essential information for hepatologists, who primarily care for adults, regarding liver-based inborn errors of metabolism with particular reference to those that may be treatable with liver transplantation and to provide adequate references for more in-depth study should one of these disease states be encountered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli Hansen
- Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
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47
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Living related liver transplant in a patient with argininosuccinic aciduria and cirrhosis: metabolic follow-up. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2008; 46:453-6. [PMID: 18367960 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0b013e3180ca8720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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48
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Puppi J, Tan N, Mitry RR, Hughes RD, Lehec S, Mieli-Vergani G, Karani J, Champion MP, Heaton N, Mohamed R, Dhawan A. Hepatocyte transplantation followed by auxiliary liver transplantation--a novel treatment for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Am J Transplant 2008; 8:452-7. [PMID: 18211511 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2007.02058.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We report the first successful use of hepatocyte transplantation as a bridge to subsequent auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) in a child antenatally diagnosed with severe ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency. A total of 1.74 x 10(9) fresh and cryopreserved hepatocytes were administered intraportally into the liver over a period of 6 months. Immunosuppression was with tacrolimus and prednisolone. A sustained decrease in ammonia levels and a gradual increase in serum urea were observed except during episodes of sepsis in the first 6 months of life. The patient was able to tolerate a normal protein intake and presented a normal growth and neurological development. APOLT was successfully performed at 7 months of age. We conclude that hepatocyte transplantation can be used in conjunction with APOLT as an effective treatment for severe OTC-deficient patients, improving neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Puppi
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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49
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Deignan JL, Cederbaum SD, Grody WW. Contrasting features of urea cycle disorders in human patients and knockout mouse models. Mol Genet Metab 2008; 93:7-14. [PMID: 17933574 PMCID: PMC2692509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2007.08.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2007] [Revised: 08/19/2007] [Accepted: 08/19/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The urea cycle exists for the removal of excess nitrogen from the body. Six separate enzymes comprise the urea cycle, and a deficiency in any one of them causes a urea cycle disorder (UCD) in humans. Arginase is the only urea cycle enzyme with an alternate isoform, though no known human disorder currently exists due to a deficiency in the second isoform. While all of the UCDs usually present with hyperammonemia in the first few days to months of life, most disorders are distinguished by a characteristic profile of plasma amino acid alterations that can be utilized for diagnosis. While enzyme assay is possible, an analysis of the underlying mutation is preferable for an accurate diagnosis. Mouse models for each of the urea cycle disorders exist (with the exception of NAGS deficiency), and for almost all of them, their clinical and biochemical phenotypes rather closely resemble the phenotypes seen in human patients. Consequently, all of the current mouse models are highly useful for future research into novel pharmacological and dietary treatments and gene therapy protocols for the management of urea cycle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L. Deignan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- The Mental Retardation Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Stephen D. Cederbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- The Mental Retardation Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Wayne W. Grody
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- The Mental Retardation Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
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50
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Enns GM, Berry SA, Berry GT, Rhead WJ, Brusilow SW, Hamosh A. Survival after treatment with phenylacetate and benzoate for urea-cycle disorders. N Engl J Med 2007; 356:2282-92. [PMID: 17538087 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa066596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of intravenous sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate has been shown to lower plasma ammonium levels and improve survival in small cohorts of patients with historically lethal urea-cycle enzyme defects. METHODS We report the results of a 25-year, open-label, uncontrolled study of sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate therapy (Ammonul, Ucyclyd Pharma) in 299 patients with urea-cycle disorders in whom there were 1181 episodes of acute hyperammonemia. RESULTS Overall survival was 84% (250 of 299 patients). Ninety-six percent of the patients survived episodes of hyperammonemia (1132 of 1181 episodes). Patients over 30 days of age were more likely than neonates to survive an episode (98% vs. 73%, P<0.001). Patients 12 or more years of age (93 patients), who had 437 episodes, were more likely than all younger patients to survive (99%, P<0.001). Eighty-one percent of patients who were comatose at admission survived. Patients less than 30 days of age with a peak ammonium level above 1000 micromol per liter (1804 microg per deciliter) were least likely to survive a hyperammonemic episode (38%, P<0.001). Dialysis was also used in 56 neonates during 60% of episodes and in 80 patients 30 days of age or older during 7% of episodes. CONCLUSIONS Prompt recognition of a urea-cycle disorder and treatment with both sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate, in conjunction with other therapies, such as intravenous arginine hydrochloride and the provision of adequate calories to prevent catabolism, effectively lower plasma ammonium levels and result in survival in the majority of patients. Hemodialysis may also be needed to control hyperammonemia, especially in neonates and older patients who do not have a response to intravenous sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M Enns
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford, CA 94305-5208, USA.
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