Hyperammonemic Coma in an Adult due to Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency

Hyperammonemia due to Adult-Onset N-Acetylglutamate Synthase Deficiency

A 59-year-old woman, with a medical history of intellectual disability after perinatal asphyxia, was admitted because of coma due to hyperammonemia after she was treated for a fracture of the pelvis. The ammonia level was 280 μM. Acquired disorders as explanation for the hyperammonemia were excluded. Metabolic investigations showed an elevated glutamine and alanine and low citrulline, suspect for a urea cycle defect (UCD). Orotic acid could not be demonstrated in urine. DNA investigations were negative for mutations or deletions in the OTC and CPS1 gene, but revealed a homozygous c.603G>C mutation in exon 2 of the N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) gene (NM_153006.2:c.603G>C), which mandates p.Lys201Asn. This is a novel mutation in the NAGS gene.After the diagnosis of NAGS deficiency was made carbamylglutamate was started in a low dose. In combination with mild protein restriction the ammonia level decreased to 26 μM.This is one of the first patients in literature in whom the diagnosis of a UCD is made at such an advanced age. It is important for the adult physician to consider a metabolic disorder at every age.

Severe hyperammonemia in late-onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency triggered by steroid administration

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is a rare X-linked disorder of urea synthesis leading to hyperammonemia. Several late-onset cases have been reported. Undiagnosed and untreated patients are at the risk of death or suffering from irreversible sequelae. We describe a 56-year-old patient who presented with acute encephalopathy after steroid treatment. Hyperammonemia due to OTCD was diagnosed and a mutation was found. This allowed us to diagnose two other family members with unexplained encephalopathy who are now asymptomatic on a low-protein diet. OTCD should be considered in any patient with hyperammonemic encephalopathy and immediate treatment should be given to avoid a fatal outcome. We emphasize the need to examine other family members if the diagnosis is confirmed, in order to prevent further life-threatening episodes of encephalopathy or neonatal coma of newborn.