Glutaric Aciduria Type I: A Rare Metabolic Disorder Mimicking as Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy

Orthopaedic Problems in 35 Patients With Organic Acid Disorders

INTRODUCTION

Organic acid disorders (OADs) are a subset of inborn errors of metabolism that result in a toxic accumulation of organic acids in the body, which can lead to metabolic derangements and encephalopathy. Patients with these disorders are managed by a team of biochemical geneticists and metabolic nutritionists. However, subspecialists such as neurologists and orthopaedic surgeons are often needed to help manage the sequelae of the metabolic derangements. The breadth of orthopaedic sequelae of these disease states is poorly understood. Herein, we describe orthopaedic problems associated with 5 types of OAD most commonly seen at our institution: maple syrup urine disease, methylmalonic aciduria, propionic aciduria, pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, and glutaric aciduria type 1.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 35 patients with an OAD who were seen at our academic tertiary care center from May 1999 to May 2020. Patients were grouped into cohorts according to OAD type and analyzed for orthopaedic presentations of hip, knee, or foot disorders, presence and severity of scoliosis, history of fracture, movement disorders, and osteopenia/osteoporosis.

RESULTS

Of the 35 patients, 13 had maple syrup urine disease, 12 had methylmalonic aciduria, 4 had propionic aciduria, 4 had pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, and 2 had glutaric aciduria type 1. Associated orthopaedic problems included spasticity causing neuromuscular scoliosis and/or hip subluxation or dislocation (10 patients), fractures (7 patients), and osteopenia/osteoporosis (7 patients). Overall, 22 of 35 patients had some orthopaedic condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Most in this cohort of patients with OAD also had an orthopaedic abnormality. It is important for physicians treating these patients to understand their propensity for musculoskeletal problems. When treating patients with OAD, it is important to initiate and maintain communication with specialists in several disciplines and to develop collaborative treatments for this unique population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-prognostic study.

Pediatric Glutaric Aciduria Type 1: 14 Cases, Diagnosis and Management

Introduction

Glutaric aciduria type I is an autosomal recessive disorder of lysine metabolism due to the defect of the enzyme glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase. The regression of milestones following an intercurrent infection with disabling dystonia is the common presentation. We report the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of 14 south Indian children with glutaric aciduria type I.

Results

Males predominated the study (57.1%). The mean age of onset of the symptoms was 8.57 ± 3.57 months. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 35.21 ± 48.31 months. The history of consanguinity was noted in 57.1%. Development was normal prior to the onset of acute crises in nearly three fourths. Acute crises triggered by infection followed by the regression of milestones was the major presenting feature in 10 children (71.4%). Macrocephaly was another prominent feature in an equal number. Bat's wing appearance (fronto temporal atrophy) was present in all children. Nearly 80% had moderate to severe disability in the form of dystonic movement disorder and spastic quadriparesis.

Conclusion

Glutaric aciduria type Ihas to be identified and managed early to have a better outcome.