1
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Wijdicks EFM. Identifying encephalopathies from acute metabolic derangements. J Intern Med 2022; 292:846-857. [PMID: 35809045 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13538] [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] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic derangements, when acute and severe, affect brain function. This presents mostly with a marked decline in the level of consciousness, resulting in impaired responsiveness, abnormal receptivity, impaired content, and loss of memory retention. The term metabolic encephalopathy has been used but is conjecture that can be challenged in the age of modern neuroimaging. We now recognize that many metabolic encephalopathies may involve structural lesions and at an early stage. Common clinical conundrums are the evaluation of the degree of brain injury and its recoverability. This review discusses the appropriate terminology for these conditions, the diagnostic approach, therapy recommendations, and prediction of recovery potential. In evaluating a presumed metabolic cause for encephalopathy, we must (1) search for and rule out structural injury to the brain despite an obvious explanatory metabolic derangement, (2) recognize that several confounding conditions often co-exist, and (3) acknowledge that resolution of brain dysfunction may be protracted despite normalization of laboratory values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eelco F M Wijdicks
- Division of Neurocritical Care and Hospital Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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2
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A complex case of delayed diagnosis of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency in an adult patient with multiple comorbidities. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2022; 33:100916. [PMID: 36620385 PMCID: PMC9817481 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2022.100916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a medically complex African American adult female with ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency diagnosed after lifelong protein aversion and new onset of chronic vomiting and abdominal pain with intermittent lethargy and confusion. Symptomatology was crucial to diagnosis as genetic testing did not identify any pathogenic variants in OTC; however, the patient's diagnosis was delayed despite her having longstanding symptoms of a urea cycle disorder (UCD). Her symptoms improved after treatment with a modified protein-restricted diet, long-term nitrogen-scavenger therapy, and supplemental L-citrulline. Adherence to her UCD management regimen remained a challenge due to her underlying frailty and other medical conditions, which included primary renal impairment (further exasperated by type 2 diabetes mellitus) and decreased left-ventricular function. She passed away 3 years after her OTC deficiency diagnosis due to complications of congestive heart failure. Her OTC deficiency did not have a major impact on her final illness, and appropriate OTC deficiency management was provided until the decision was made to withdraw medical care.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- CT, computed tomography
- Comorbid conditions
- D20W, dextrose 20% in water
- ED, emergency department
- GPB, glycerol phenylbutyrate
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- IBW, ideal body weight
- IV, intravenous
- Late onset
- NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- NG, nasogastric
- OTC, ornithine transcarbamylase
- Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency
- UCD, urea cycle disorder
- Urea cycle disorder
- X-linked inheritance
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3
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Pizzi MA, Alejos D, Hasan TF, Atwal PS, Krishnaiengar SR, Freeman WD. Adult Presentation of Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency: 2 Illustrative Cases of Phenotypic Variability and Literature Review. Neurohospitalist 2019; 9:30-36. [PMID: 30671162 PMCID: PMC6327241 DOI: 10.1177/1941874418764817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is an X-linked recessive disorder that usually presents in the neonatal period. Late-onset presentation of OTC can cause mild to severe symptoms. We describe laboratory and clinical findings of late-onset presentations of OTC deficiency. We conducted a literature search using search terms "ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency," "late onset presentation," and "hyperammonemia" from January 1, 1987, to December 31, 2016, was performed. Only papers published in English were included. We searched on PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. We also present 2 OTC deficiency cases. A total of 30 adult cases had late-onset presentation of OTC deficiency reported. The majority were women (57%) with a median age of 37 years. The median level of ammonia was 308 mmol/L and the mortality rate was 30%. Our case 1 was a 40-year-old woman who succumbed to neurologic complications after a hyperammonemia crisis following an increased protein intake. Our case 2 was a 43-year-old woman with seizures associated with increased ammonia levels. Our 2 case reports show the wide phenotypic variability and severity in late-onset presentation of OTC ranging from seizures to cerebral herniation. Our literature review is the first to detail published laboratory and neurologic sequelae of late-onset OTC deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Alejos
- Department of Critical Care, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Tasneem F. Hasan
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Paldeep S. Atwal
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - William D. Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Department of Critical Care, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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4
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Intravenous and Oral Hyperammonemia Management. CURRENT EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40138-018-0174-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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5
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Abstract
Once based mainly in paediatrics, inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), or inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) represent a growing adult medicine specialty. Individually rare these conditions have currently, a collective estimated prevalence of >1:800. Diagnosis has improved through expanded newborn screening programs, identification of potentially affected family members and greater awareness of symptomatic presentations in adolescence and in adulthood. Better survival and reduced mortality from previously lethal and debilitating conditions means greater numbers transition to adulthood. Pregnancy, once contraindicated for many, may represent a challenging but successful outcome. Successful pregnancies are now reported in a wide range of IEM. Significant challenges remain, given the biological stresses of pregnancy, parturition and the puerperium. Known diagnoses allow preventive and pre-emptive management. Unrecognized metabolic disorders especially, remain a preventable cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Increased awareness of these conditions amongst all clinicians is essential to expedite diagnosis and manage appropriately. This review aims to describe normal adaptations to pregnancy and discuss how various types of IEM may be affected. Relevant translational research and clinical experience will be reviewed with practical management aspects cited. Based on current literature, the impact of maternal IEM on mother and/or foetus, as well as how foetal IEM may affect the mother, will be considered. Insights gained from these rare disorders to more common conditions will be explored. Gaps in the literature, unanswered questions and steps to enhance further knowledge and systematically capture experience, such as establishment of an IEM-pregnancy registry, will be summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Wilcox
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- The Mark Holland Metabolic Unit, Salford Royal Foundation NHS Trust, Salford, Greater Manchester, M6 8HD, UK.
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6
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Bigot A, Brunault P, Lavigne C, Feillet F, Odent S, Kaphan E, Thauvin C, Leguy V, Broué P, Tchan MC, Maillot F. Psychiatric adult-onset of urea cycle disorders: A case-series. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2017; 12:103-109. [PMID: 28725569 PMCID: PMC5502717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult onset urea cycle disorders (UCD) may present with psychiatric symptoms, occasionally as the initial presentation. We aimed to describe the characteristics of patients presenting with a psychiatric adult-onset of UCDs, to discuss which signs could suggest this diagnosis in such a situation, and to determine which tests should be conducted. A survey of psychiatric symptoms occurring in teenagers or adults with UCD was conducted in 2010 among clinicians involved in the French society for the study of inborn errors of metabolism (SFEIM). Fourteen patients from 14 to 57 years old were reported. Agitation was reported in 10 cases, perseveration in 5, delirium in 4, and disinhibition in 3 cases. Three patients had pre-existing psychiatric symptoms. All patients had neurological symptoms associated with psychiatric symptoms, such as ataxia or dysmetria, psychomotor slowing, seizures, or hallucinations. Fluctuations of consciousness and coma were reported in 9 cases. Digestive symptoms were reported in 7 cases. 9 patients had a personal history suggestive of UCD. The differential diagnoses most frequently considered were exogenous intoxication, non-convulsive status epilepticus, and meningoencephalitis. Hyperammonemia (180-600 μmol/L) was found in all patients. The outcome was severe: mechanical ventilation was required in 10 patients, 5 patients died, and only 4 patients survived without sequelae. Adult onset UCDs can present with predominant psychiatric symptoms, associated with neurological involvement. These patients, as well as patients presenting with a suspicion of intoxication, must have UCD considered and ammonia measured without delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Bigot
- CHRU de Tours, Médecine interne, Tours, France
- CHRU de Toulouse, Service de pédiatrie, Toulouse, France
- Genetic Medicine, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Brunault
- CHRU de Tours, Clinique Psychiatrique Universitaire, Tours, France
- CHRU de Tours, Équipe de Liaison et de Soins en Addictologie, Tours, France
| | | | - François Feillet
- CHRU de Nancy, Centre de références des maladies héréditaires du métabolisme, Nancy, France
| | - Sylvie Odent
- CHRU de Rennes, Service de génétique, Rennes, France
| | - Elsa Kaphan
- CHRU de Marseille, Service de neurologie, La Timone, Marseille, France
| | | | - Vanessa Leguy
- CHRU de Dijon, Service de Médecine Interne, Dijon, France
| | - Pierre Broué
- CHRU de Toulouse, Service de pédiatrie, Toulouse, France
| | | | - François Maillot
- CHRU de Tours, Médecine interne, Tours, France
- Université François-Rabelais, INSERM 1069, Tours, France
- Corresponding author at: Service de Médecine Interne, Hopital Bretonneau, 2bd Tonnellé, 37044 Tours CEDEX 9, France.Service de Médecine InterneHopital Bretonneau2bd TonnelléTours CEDEX 937044France
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7
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Encéphalopathie hyperammoniémique révélant une récidive de myélome. Rev Med Interne 2016; 37:567-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Revised: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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8
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Maillot F, Blasco H, Lioger B, Bigot A, Douillard C. [Diagnosis and treatment of urea cycle disorders in adult patients]. Rev Med Interne 2016; 37:680-684. [PMID: 27032484 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2016.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are inborn errors of metabolism in which the clinical picture is mostly due to ammonia intoxication. UCD onset may be observed at any age. Acute decompensations of UCDs include neuro-psychiatric symptoms such as headache, confusion, convulsions, ataxia, agitation or delirium, as well as digestive symptoms, namely nausea and vomiting along with abdominal pain. Acute decompensations may lead to an irreversible coma in the absence of specific therapy. The first step is to measure promptly ammonemia in such patients, and start appropriate therapy on an emergency basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Maillot
- Service de médecine interne, centre de compétences des maladies héréditaires du métabolisme, hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours, 2, boulevard Tonnellé, 37044 Tours cedex 9, France; Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France; Inserm U1069, Tours, France.
| | - H Blasco
- Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France; Service de biochimie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France; Inserm U930, Tours, France
| | - B Lioger
- Service de médecine interne, centre de compétences des maladies héréditaires du métabolisme, hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours, 2, boulevard Tonnellé, 37044 Tours cedex 9, France; Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France
| | - A Bigot
- Service de médecine interne, centre de compétences des maladies héréditaires du métabolisme, hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours, 2, boulevard Tonnellé, 37044 Tours cedex 9, France; Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France
| | - C Douillard
- Centre de référence des maladies héréditaires du métabolisme, CHRU de Lille, Lille, France
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9
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Liver Transplantation for Urea Cycle Disorders: Analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing Database. Transplant Proc 2015; 47:2413-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2015.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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10
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Bonnot O, Herrera P, Kuster A. [Treatable neurometabolic diseases. Association with schizophrenia spectrum disorders]. Presse Med 2015; 44:889-97. [PMID: 26248708 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2015.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are presented on 1% of subjects over general population. Organic pathologies prevalence in schizophrenia spectrum patients is not well determined, and it is probably underestimated. In the present update review, we are going to highlight seven treatable neurometabolic diseases (NMD) associated to sub-clinic neurological symptoms. It is not infrequent to witness the absence of any clinical neurological signs going along with the NMD. Psychiatric symptoms may be the only clinical alarm that can guide physicians to an acute diagnosis. This is why it is a challenging pathology, defying our clinical accuracy as psychiatrist or any other practitioners confronted to this population. Hereby we are going to expose a literature review and comprehensive tables in order to present in a glance the essential clinical features of disorders of homocysteine metabolism, urea cycle disorders, Niemann-Pick disease type C, acute porphyria, cerebrotendinous-xanthomatosis. These conditions are sensible to major improvement strongly correlated to the accuracy of diagnosis. Literature analysis led us to propose a comprehensive list of atypical psychiatric symptoms including highly predominant visual hallucinations, compared to auditory ones, as well as confusion, catatonia or progressive cognitive decline. We highlight the importance of considering antipsychotic treatment resistance as a crucial sign leading to suspect an organic factor beneath the psychiatric features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Bonnot
- Service universitaire de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, CHU de Nantes, université de Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France.
| | - Paula Herrera
- Service universitaire de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, CHU de Nantes, université de Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France; Service de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier universitaire de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Alice Kuster
- Service de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier universitaire de Nantes, Nantes, France
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11
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Clinical outcomes and the mutation spectrum of the OTC gene in patients with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. J Hum Genet 2015; 60:501-7. [DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2015.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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12
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Bonnot O, Herrera PM, Tordjman S, Walterfang M. Secondary psychosis induced by metabolic disorders. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:177. [PMID: 26074754 PMCID: PMC4436816 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic disorders are not well-recognized by psychiatrists as a possible source of secondary psychoses. Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are not frequent. Although their prompt diagnosis may lead to suitable treatments. IEMs are well-known to pediatricians, in particular for their most serious forms, having an early expression most of the time. Recent years discoveries have unveiled later expression forms, and sometimes very discreet first physical signs. There is a growing body of evidence that supports the hypothesis that IEMs can manifest as atypical psychiatric symptoms, even in the absence of clear neurological symptoms. In the present review, we propose a detailed overview at schizophrenia-like and autism-like symptoms that can lead practitioners to bear in mind an IEM. Other psychiatric manifestations are also found, as behavioral, cognitive, learning, and mood disorders. However, they are less frequent. Ensuring an accurate IEM diagnosis, in front of these psychiatric symptoms should be a priority, in order to grant suitable and valuable treatment for these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Bonnot
- Psychology Laboratory of Pays de la Loire (LPPL), U2PEA Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, University of Angers Nantes, France
| | - Paula M Herrera
- Psychology Laboratory of Pays de la Loire (LPPL), U2PEA Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, University of Angers Nantes, France ; Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias NeURos, Universidad del Rosario Bogota, Colombia
| | - Sylvie Tordjman
- Department of Child an Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Regnier, University of Rennes Rennes, France
| | - Mark Walterfang
- Neuropsychiatry Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne, VIC, Australia ; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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High-throughput tandem mass spectrometry multiplex analysis for newborn urinary screening of creatine synthesis and transport disorders, Triple H syndrome and OTC deficiency. Clin Chim Acta 2014; 436:249-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2014.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Revised: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Bonnot O, Klünemann HH, Sedel F, Tordjman S, Cohen D, Walterfang M. Diagnostic and treatment implications of psychosis secondary to treatable metabolic disorders in adults: a systematic review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2014; 9:65. [PMID: 24775716 PMCID: PMC4043981 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-9-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective It is important for psychiatrists to be aware of certain inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) as these rare disorders can present as psychosis, and because definitive treatments may be available for treating the underlying metabolic cause. A systematic review was conducted to examine IEMs that often present with schizophrenia-like symptoms. Data sources Published literature on MEDLINE was assessed regarding diseases of homocysteine metabolism (DHM; cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency [CbS-D] and homocysteinemia due to methyltetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency [MTHFR-D]), urea cycle disorders (UCD), acute porphyria (POR), Wilson disease (WD), cerebrotendinous-xanthomatosis (CTX) and Niemann-Pick disease type C (NP-C). Study selection Case reports, case series or reviews with original data regarding psychiatric manifestations and cognitive impairment published between January 1967 and June 2012 were included based on a standardized four-step selection process. Data extraction All selected articles were evaluated for descriptions of psychiatric signs (type, severity, natural history and treatment) in addition to key disease features. Results A total of 611 records were identified. Information from CbS-D (n = 2), MTHFR-D (n = 3), UCD (n = 8), POR (n = 12), WD (n = 11), CTX (n = 14) and NP-C publications (n = 9) were evaluated. Six non-systematic literature review publications were also included. In general, published reports did not provide explicit descriptions of psychiatric symptoms. The literature search findings are presented with a didactic perspective, showing key features for each disease and psychiatric signs that should trigger psychiatrists to suspect that psychotic symptoms may be secondary to an IEM. Conclusion IEMs with a psychiatric presentation and a lack of, or sub-clinical, neurological signs are rare, but should be considered in patients with atypical psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Bonnot
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Hôpital Mère-Enfant, 7 quai Moncousu, 44 000 Nantes, France.
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15
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Rüegger CM, Lindner M, Ballhausen D, Baumgartner MR, Beblo S, Das A, Gautschi M, Glahn EM, Grünert SC, Hennermann J, Hochuli M, Huemer M, Karall D, Kölker S, Lachmann RH, Lotz-Havla A, Möslinger D, Nuoffer JM, Plecko B, Rutsch F, Santer R, Spiekerkoetter U, Staufner C, Stricker T, Wijburg FA, Williams M, Burgard P, Häberle J. Cross-sectional observational study of 208 patients with non-classical urea cycle disorders. J Inherit Metab Dis 2014; 37:21-30. [PMID: 23780642 PMCID: PMC3889631 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-013-9624-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are inherited disorders of ammonia detoxification often regarded as mainly of relevance to pediatricians. Based on an increasing number of case studies it has become obvious that a significant number of UCD patients are affected by their disease in a non-classical way: presenting outside the newborn period, following a mild course, presenting with unusual clinical features, or asymptomatic patients with only biochemical signs of a UCD. These patients are surviving into adolescence and adulthood, rendering this group of diseases clinically relevant to adult physicians as well as pediatricians. In preparation for an international workshop we collected data on all patients with non-classical UCDs treated by the participants in 20 European metabolic centres. Information was collected on a cohort of 208 patients 50% of which were ≥ 16 years old. The largest subgroup (121 patients) had X-linked ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) of whom 83 were female and 29% of these were asymptomatic. In index patients, there was a mean delay from first symptoms to diagnosis of 1.6 years. Cognitive impairment was present in 36% of all patients including female OTCD patients (in 31%) and those 41 patients identified presymptomatically following positive newborn screening (in 12%). In conclusion, UCD patients with non-classical clinical presentations require the interest and care of adult physicians and have a high risk of neurological complications. To improve the outcome of UCDs, a greater awareness by health professionals of the importance of hyperammonemia and UCDs, and ultimately avoidance of the still long delay to correctly diagnose the patients, is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne M. Rüegger
- Division of Metabolism, University Children’s Hospital, Steinwiesstr. 75, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Lindner
- Department of General Pediatrics, Division of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diana Ballhausen
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Molecular Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthias R. Baumgartner
- Division of Metabolism, University Children’s Hospital, Steinwiesstr. 75, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Skadi Beblo
- University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anibh Das
- Department of Paediatrics, Hannover Medical School, Carl Neuberg Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Gautschi
- University Children’s Hospital, Paediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Esther M. Glahn
- Department of General Pediatrics, Division of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah C. Grünert
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Children’s Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Hennermann
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michel Hochuli
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Huemer
- Department of Pediatrics, Landeskrankenhaus Bregenz, Carl Pedenz Str. 2, 6900 Bregenz, Austria
| | - Daniela Karall
- Clinic of Pediatrics I, Division Metabolic Inherited Disorders, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Kölker
- Department of General Pediatrics, Division of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robin H. Lachmann
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Amelie Lotz-Havla
- Department of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, 80337 Germany
| | - Dorothea Möslinger
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerguertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jean-Marc Nuoffer
- University Children’s Hospital, Paediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Plecko
- Children’s Research Center, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 30, A-8036 Graz, Austria
- Division of Neuropediatrics, University Children’s Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Rutsch
- Department of General Pediatrics, Münster University Children’s Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - René Santer
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ute Spiekerkoetter
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Children’s Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, University Children’s Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Staufner
- Department of General Pediatrics, Division of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tamar Stricker
- Division of Metabolism, University Children’s Hospital, Steinwiesstr. 75, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frits A. Wijburg
- Department of Pediatrics, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus Medical Center, Sophia Children’s Hospital Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Burgard
- Department of General Pediatrics, Division of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Häberle
- Division of Metabolism, University Children’s Hospital, Steinwiesstr. 75, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, Zurich, Switzerland
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Walterfang M, Bonnot O, Mocellin R, Velakoulis D. The neuropsychiatry of inborn errors of metabolism. J Inherit Metab Dis 2013; 36:687-702. [PMID: 23700255 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-013-9618-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A number of metabolic disorders that affect the central nervous system can present in childhood, adolescence or adulthood as a phenocopy of a major psychiatric syndrome such as psychosis, depression, anxiety or mania. An understanding and awareness of secondary syndromes in metabolic disorders is of great importance as it can lead to the early diagnosis of such disorders. Many of these metabolic disorders are progressive and may have illness-modifying treatments available. Earlier diagnosis may prevent or delay damage to the central nervous system and allow for the institution of appropriate treatment and family and genetic counselling. Metabolic disorders appear to result in neuropsychiatric illness either through disruption of late neurodevelopmental processes (metachromatic leukodystrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy, GM2 gangliosidosis, Niemann-Pick type C, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and alpha mannosidosis) or via chronic or acute disruption of excitatory/inhibitory or monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems (acute intermittent porphyria, maple syrup urine disease, urea cycle disorders, phenylketonuria and disorders of homocysteine metabolism). In this manuscript we review the evidence for neuropsychiatric illness in major metabolic disorders and discuss the possible models for how these disorders result in psychiatric symptoms. Treatment considerations are discussed, including treatment resistance, the increased propensity for side-effects and the possibility of some treatments worsening the underlying disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Walterfang
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Parkville, Australia.
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17
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Developmental and psychiatric presentations of inherited metabolic disorders. Pediatr Neurol 2013; 48:179-87. [PMID: 23419468 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2012.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric neurologists and developmental pediatricians may evaluate patients with primary or associated behavioral and academic concerns. A critical element of the evaluation involves determining that the child's condition is not better explained by underlying inherited metabolic disorders. In this review, psychiatric and behavioral presentations of inherited metabolic disorders are discussed via several case studies. Key features of vignettes will illustrate when to consider these disorders in evaluating children referred for psychiatric and behavioral changes, after more common etiologies have been excluded. We seek to develop a better understanding of key clinical pearls to help identify children with an inherited metabolic disorder to account for behavioral or academic concerns.
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Hyperammonemic Coma in an Adult due to Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency. Case Rep Crit Care 2013; 2013:493216. [PMID: 24804122 PMCID: PMC4010020 DOI: 10.1155/2013/493216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. To report an unusual cause of coma in an adult. Design. Case report. Setting. University teaching hospital. Patient. A previously healthy 53-year-old man initially presented with altered mental status and progressed to coma. He was found to be substantially hyperammonemic and did not improve with lactulose therapy and continuous venovenous hemodialysis. Results. Biochemical testing revealed previously undiagnosed ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, and the patient responded to arginine, sodium phenylacetate, and sodium benzoate. Conclusion. Even in adult patients with no known history, inborn errors of metabolism must be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained coma. Defects of the urea cycle can present with an unprovoked hyperammonemic coma.
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Gardeitchik T, Humphrey M, Nation J, Boneh A. Early clinical manifestations and eating patterns in patients with urea cycle disorders. J Pediatr 2012; 161:328-32. [PMID: 22424941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2012.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2011] [Revised: 12/27/2011] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize dietary habits and eating patterns in patients with a urea cycle disorder (UCD), and to identify dietary habits that may serve as clues to lead to earlier diagnosis of these disorders. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective study of clinical and dietary data from hospital records of all patients with UCD (n = 90) attending the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne between 1972 and 2010. RESULTS Protein aversion, food refusal, frequent vomiting, poor appetite, and adverse reaction to high-protein-containing foods were documented in the majority of patients with available detailed dietary protein intake data. Fourteen of the 90 admissions for metabolic deterioration in which information regarding the precipitating factor(s) were available were directly related to protein intake (5 higher and 9 lower than prescribed). CONCLUSION Protein aversion is a common feature of UCD and may serve as a diagnostic clue in patients presenting with food refusal, recurrent vomiting, behavioral problems, mental retardation, and "unexplained" episodes of altered consciousness. Dietary history should be included in the investigation of these symptoms, which might lead to earlier diagnosis. Metabolic decompensation is more frequently related to low energy/protein intake than to high protein intake in these patients. Special attention should be given to protein aversion, which often leads to eating patterns that make it difficult for a patient to achieve the prescribed daily protein requirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thatjana Gardeitchik
- Department of Metabolic Genetics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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21
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Abstract
Histone acetyltransferase and histone deacetylase are enzymes responsible for histone acetylation and deacetylation, respectively, in which the histones are acetylated and deacetylated on lysine residues in the N-terminal tail and on the surface of the nucleosome core. These processes are considered the most important epigenetic mechanisms for remodeling the chromatin structure and controlling the gene expression. Histone acetylation is associated with gene activation. Sodium phenylbutyrate is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that has been approved for treatement of urea cycle disorders and is under investigation in cancer, hemoglobinopathies, motor neuron diseases, and cystic fibrosis clinical trials. Due to its characteristics, not only of histone deacetylase inhibitor, but also of ammonia sink and chemical chaperone, the interest towards this molecule is growing worldwide. This review aims to update the current literature, involving the use of sodium phenylbutyrate in experimental studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Iannitti
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.
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22
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Ituk U, Constantinescu OC, Allen TK, Small MJ, Habib AS. Peripartum management of two parturients with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Int J Obstet Anesth 2011; 21:90-3. [PMID: 22138526 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2011.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency is a rare X-linked disorder in which female carriers are usually heterozygous for the ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency gene. In pregnancy it has been associated with altered mental status, seizures, coma and death, especially in the postpartum period. We report the management of labor and delivery in two parturients with known ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Both patients were maintained on arginine, citrulline and sodium phenylacetate therapy with restricted protein intake during pregnancy. Neuraxial techniques were used for pain relief in labor and anesthesia for operative delivery. A dextrose infusion provided caloric intake during labor and perioperatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Ituk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Health System, Durham NC 27710, USA.
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23
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Abstract
Urea cycle enzymes deficiencies are rare metabolic disorders. Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is the most common type. The syndrome results from a deficiency of the mitochondrial enzyme OTC which catalyses the conversion of ornithine and carbamoyl phosphate to citrulline. It shows X-linked inheritance and typically remains asymptomatic until late infancy or early childhood. The severity of the symptoms depends on the age of the patient and the duration of hyperammonemia. Female heterozygotes are more difficult to diagnose. They suffer from hyperammonemic periods which can be triggered by trauma, infections, surgery, childbirth, parenteral nutrition, and by the initiation of sodium valproate therapy. The prognosis of OTC deficiency is better for those with an onset after infancy, but morbidity from brain damage does not appear to be linked to the number of episodes of hyperammonemia that have occurred. However, early diagnosis and prompt initiation of ammonia-lowering treatment are essential for survival of these patients. This case presents a patient who was diagnosed with OTC deficiency following mental confusion during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Celik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical School, University of Istanbul, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Istanbul, Turkey
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24
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Häberle J. Varianten von Harnstoffzyklusstörungen. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-011-2444-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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25
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Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency is an inborn error of metabolism that commonly presents as hyperammonemia in neonates. We present a case of a 2-year-old girl who was referred to a pediatric emergency department for evaluation of hepatitis, an uncommon presentation of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Recognition of late presentations of this disease is important for survival and neurological outcome.
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Labarthe F, Blasco H, Maillot F. Troubles du comportement : les maladies métaboliques par intoxication. Arch Pediatr 2010; 17:800-1. [DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(10)70118-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Brajon D, Carassou P, Pruna L, Feillet F, Kaminsky P. [Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency in adult]. Rev Med Interne 2010; 31:709-11. [PMID: 20570026 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2010.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2009] [Revised: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 02/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is a X-linked inherited disorder characterized by hyperammoniemic encephalopathy in male neonates. However, there is an increased evidence of late-onset disease, including in adults. CASE REPORTS A 23-year-old woman presented with vomiting, somnolence, confusion and hyperammonemia. Familial history revealed OTC deficiency in three brothers and one sister, but urinary orotic acid level was normal at birth in the reported patient who therefore was considered as mutation-free. The mother was asymptomatic but had cognitive defect and moderate mental deficiency. Molecular biology demonstrated that both our patient and her mother were heterozygous for complete OCT deletion. CONCLUSION OCT deficiency could be diagnosed in adult patients at any age and clinical features are various, including hyperammonemic encephalopathy, psychiatric disorders or mental deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Brajon
- Médecine interne orientée vers les maladies orphelines et systémiques, Tour Drouet, hôpitaux de Brabois, CHU de Nancy, 54511 Vandœuvre cedex, France
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28
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Balasubramaniam S, Rudduck C, Bennetts B, Peters G, Wilcken B, Ellaway C. Contiguous gene deletion syndrome in a female with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Mol Genet Metab 2010; 99:34-41. [PMID: 19783189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2009.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2009] [Revised: 08/21/2009] [Accepted: 08/21/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OTC deficiency, a partially dominant X-linked trait, is the most frequent inborn error of the urea cycle. We describe a female patient with a contiguous gene deletion syndrome encompassing the OTC, DMD, RPGR, CYBB and XK genes, amongst others, only manifesting features of OTC deficiency. Molecular characterization was ascertained by MLPA and confirmed by CGH microarray, which revealed an 8.7 Mb deletion of the X-chromosome. Complete de novo deletion of the OTC gene led to a severe clinical phenotype in the proband. The application of high resolution molecular genetic techniques such as MLPA and array CGH, in mutation negative OTC cases allows the identification of chromosomal rearrangements, such as large deletions and provides information for accurate genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Balasubramaniam
- Genetic Metabolic Disorders Service, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
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29
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30
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Bürle M, Mende H, Plum U, Bluthardt M, Walka M, Geldner G. [Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency in adolescence and adulthood: first manifestation with life-threatening decompensation]. Anaesthesist 2009; 58:594-601. [PMID: 19468698 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-009-1540-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is the most frequent innate disorder of the urea cycle and is X-chromosome linked. The disease normally manifests itself shortly after birth and is fatal when untreated. Due to the different expression and X-chromosomal inheritance the manifestation of symptoms can appear later particularly in girls and young women. The first symptoms are non-specific signs of elevated cerebral pressure as a result of a hyperammonemia, which range from nausea and headache up to cerebral herniation with fatal outcome. Measurement of plasma ammonia levels is a simple yet important screening test for patients with unexpected stupor or delirium. CASE REPORTS The two case reports show the clinical range from acute decompensation with acute cerebral herniation followed by fatal outcome to recovery under emergency therapy without substantial neurological deficits. THERAPY Emergency treatment consists of symptomatic securing of vital parameters and an immediate reduction in the ammonia level using high calorie, protein-free nutrition to avoid catabolism together with administration of arginine, benzoate or phenyl butyrate. In cases of coma with severe cerebral edema and the threat of a herniation reaction or excessive ammonia levels, emergency hemodialysis must be immediately carried out. CONCLUSIONS In the clinical routine it is extremely important to consider a metabolic defect at an early phase and among others to determine the ammonia level so that the appropriate treatment can be instigated in time.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bürle
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin, Schmerztherapie und Notfallmedizin, Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Posilipostr. 4, 71640, Ludwigsburg, Deutschland.
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31
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Abstract
The association of genetic factors and cerebral infarction (CI) has long been established. A positive family history alone is a recognized risk factor for CI and vascular events in general. However, there are certain inherited conditions that further increase the risk of stroke. These conditions are generally metabolic and mitochondrial genetic defects that have variable modes of inheritance. This article reviews major inherited metabolic disorders that predispose an individual to CI. Ten main conditions will be discussed: Fabry's disease, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, tangier disease, familial hypercholesterolemia, homocystinuria, methylmalonic acidemia, glutaric aciduria type I, propionic acidemia, ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency and mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Kalidas
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33606, USA.
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32
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Urea cycle disorders (UCD) usually present after 24 h to 48 h of life with failure to thrive, lethargy and coma leading to death, but milder forms may occur from infancy to adulthood. STATE OF THE ART Survival of children with UCD has significantly improved and the need for transitional care to adulthood has emerged. Adult onset UCD present with chronic or acute neurological, psychiatric and digestive symptoms associated with protein avoidance. Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, which is inherited as an X-linked disorder, is the most well-described UCD in adults. Acute decompensations associate the triad of encephalopathy, respiratory alkalosis and hyperammonemia. Acute encephalopathy is characterized by brain edema, which is life-threatening without treatment. Specific urea cycle enzyme deficiency can be suspected in the presence of abnormal plasma amino acids concentrations and urinary excretion of orotic acid. A measurement enzyme activity in appropriate tissue, or DNA analysis if available, is required for diagnosis. Treatment requires restriction of dietary protein intake and the use of alternative pathways of waste nitrogen excretion with sodium benzoate and sodium phenylbutyrate. Patients with acute forms may need hemodialysis or hemodiafiltration. Therapeutic goals for OTC deficiency are to maintain plasma ammonia<80 micromol/L, plasma glutamine<1,000 micromol/L, argininemia 80-150 micromol/L and branched chain amino acids within the normal range, in order to prevent episodes of potentially lethal acute hyperammonemia. CONCLUSION Potentially fatal acute hyperammonemia may occur in male or female patients at any age. Ammonia should be measured promptly in case of acute neurological and psychiatric symptoms or coma.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Maillot
- Service de Médecine Interne et Nutrition, CHRU,Tours, France.
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Ghabril M, Nguyen J, Kramer D, Genco T, Mai M, Rosser BG. Presentation of an acquired urea cycle disorder post liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2007; 13:1714-6. [PMID: 18044746 DOI: 10.1002/lt.21291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The liver's role as the largest organ of metabolism and the unique and often critical function of liver-specific enzyme pathways imply a greater risk to the recipient of acquiring a donor metabolic disease with liver transplants versus other solid organ transplants. With clinical consequences rarely reported, the frequency of solid organ transplant transfer of metabolic disease is not known. Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), although rare, is the most common of the urea cycle disorders (UCDs). Because of phenotypic heterogeneity, OTCD may go undiagnosed into adulthood. With over 5000 liver transplant procedures annually in the United States, the likelihood of unknowingly transmitting OTCD through liver transplantation is very low. We describe the clinical course of a liver transplant recipient presenting with acute hyperammonemia and encephalopathy after receiving a liver graft form a donor with unrecognized OTCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Ghabril
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32216, USA
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34
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Abstract
Patients experiencing acute elevations of ammonia present to the ICU with encephalopathy, which may progress quickly to cerebral herniation. Patient survival requires immediate treatment of intracerebral hypertension and the reduction of ammonia levels. When hyperammonemia is not thought to be the result of liver failure, treatment for an occult disorder of metabolism must begin prior to the confirmation of an etiology. This article reviews ammonia metabolism, the effects of ammonia on the brain, the causes of hyperammonemia, and the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism in adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison S Clay
- Department of Surgery and Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 2945, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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35
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Hwang JY, Kim DK, Rhee KY, Kwon WK. Anesthetic Management of Embolization for a Cerebral Aneurysm in Patient with Portal-systemic Encephalopathy - A case report -. Korean J Anesthesiol 2007. [DOI: 10.4097/kjae.2007.53.3.419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Young Hwang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Duck Kyoung Kim
- *Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ka Young Rhee
- *Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Kyoung Kwon
- *Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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36
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Eather G, Coman D, Lander C, McGill J. Carbamyl phosphate synthase deficiency: diagnosed during pregnancy in a 41-year-old. J Clin Neurosci 2006; 13:702-6. [PMID: 16860720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2005.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2005] [Accepted: 07/13/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Carbamyl phosphate synthase deficiency (CPS) is a rare urea cycle defect. We present a case of a 41-year-old woman diagnosed with CPS deficiency during pregnancy. She is the oldest CPS-deficient patient, at diagnosis, reported to date and the first to be diagnosed during pregnancy. This case highlights the need for consideration of inborn errors of metabolism in adults presenting with unusual neurological and psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Eather
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
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37
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Schmidt J, Kroeber S, Irouschek A, Birkholz T, Schroth M, Albrecht S. Anesthetic management of patients with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Paediatr Anaesth 2006; 16:333-7. [PMID: 16490102 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9592.2005.01695.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is the most common inborn error of the urea cycle. Several specific factors require care during anesthesia in patients with this condition to avoid metabolic decompensation with acute hyperammonemia and encephalopathy. We report monozygous twins with severe neonatal-onset OTCD undergoing general anesthesia twice each, with midazolam, s-ketamine, fentanyl and isoflurane in combination with surgical field infiltration with ropivacaine. Alternative pathway medication and high-caloric diet with 10% glucose solutions were continuously administered during the perioperative course. Both children were extubated within 10 min of the final suture, and their neurological state remained unchanged. Perioperatively, blood ammonia levels remained within the normal range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Schmidt
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.
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38
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Schmidt J, Schroth M, Irouschek A, Birkholz T, Kurzai M, Kröber S, Meisner M, Albrecht S. Der Patient mit Ornithintranscarbamylasemangel. Anaesthesist 2005; 54:1201-8. [PMID: 16136341 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-005-0911-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is the most common inborn urea cycle disorder. Patients with OTCD are at risk of acute metabolic decompensation with hyperammonemia and subsequent encephalopathy, coma and death. Symptoms may be triggered by infections, drugs and stress, evoked by trauma, pain, fear, surgery and anaesthesia or by episodes of protein catabolism, i.e. fasting-induced, post partum or during gastrointestinal bleeding. Several specific considerations must be made for anaesthetic and intensive care management in patients with this disease in order to avoid metabolic decompensation. We report the intensive care management of the first manifestation of late-onset OTCD in a 16-year-old girl and a course of inconspicuous general anaesthesia with midazolam, s-ketamine, fentanyl and isoflurane in a 22-year-old girl with known OTCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Schmidt
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, FAU, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 91054 Erlangen.
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39
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Acute Postpartum Mental Status Change and Coma Caused by Previously Undiagnosed Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency. Obstet Gynecol 2003. [DOI: 10.1097/00006250-200311001-00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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40
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Abstract
The symptoms and signs of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency are discussed. When the condition occurs among males in the neonatal period it is likely to be lethal. Pathological findings are non-specific. The diagnosis should be considered if coma with cerebral oedema and respiratory alkalosis occurs for no obvious reason. When hyperammonaemia is found, enzyme assay on a liver biopsy should be considered. A useful clue in an asymptomatic patient is a voluntary adoption of a vegetarian diet. Provocative tests, such as the allopurinol test can be used, but the method most frequently applied is mutation analysis. In the case of prenatal diagnosis this is possible on a chorionic villus sample. The prognosis of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency is better for those with an onset after infancy, but morbidity from brain damage does not appear to be linked to the number of episodes of hyperammonaemia that have occurred. The syndrome results from a deficiency of the mitochondrial enzyme ornithine transcarbamylase which catalyses the conversion of ornithine and carbamoyl phosphate to citrulline. The gene responsible for this enzyme is located on Xp21.1, and is expressed in the liver and gut. Mutations can be divided into two groups: those with neonatal onset with all enzyme activity abolished, and those with later onset with partial and varying enzyme deficiency. There can be a variety of precipitating causes, for example sodium valproate. Treatment can be given with a low protein diet, and with alternate pathway drugs such as sodium benzoate and phenylbutyrate. Liver transplant can be considered when symptoms are life-threatening, although there may be severe complications.Gene replacement therapy is the hope of the future.
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41
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Gaspari R, Arcangeli A, Mensi S, Wismayer DS, Tartaglione T, Antuzzi D, Conti G, Proietti R. Late-onset presentation of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency in a young woman with hyperammonemic coma. Ann Emerg Med 2003; 41:104-9. [PMID: 12514690 DOI: 10.1067/mem.2003.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is an X-linked inherited disease and the most common inborn error in urea synthesis in human patients. In adult heterozygous patients, OTCD can be responsible for life-threatening hyperammonemic coma. We report the case of a 32-year-old woman admitted to our hospital with seizures after a recent high protein load. Her parents related a history of recurrent episodes of vomiting, meat refusal, lethargy, and convulsions since childhood, and measurement of plasma ammonemia levels was the key to early diagnosis of OTCD. We report the pathophysiologic characteristics, clinical features, clinical course, and differential diagnosis of OTCD and discuss the therapeutic options, including continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration and pharmacologic therapy for reduction of plasma ammonemia levels. A diagnosis of OTCD should be considered in adult nonhepatic patients with hyperammonemic coma, particularly if they have a history of protein avoidance and neurologic symptoms. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are critical to avoid severe brain damage and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Gaspari
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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