Functional neurologic disorders in an adult with propionic acidemia: a case report

Background Inborn errors of metabolism are often characterized by various psychiatric syndromes. Previous studies tend to classify psychiatric manifestations into clinical entities. Among inborn errors of metabolism, propionic acidemia (PA) is a rare inherited organic aciduria that leads to neurologic disabilities. Several studies in children with PA demonstrated that psychiatric disorders are associated to neurological symptoms. To our knowledge, no psychopathological description in adult with propionic acidemia is available. Case presentation We aimed to compare the case of a 53-year-old woman with PA, to the previous psychiatric descriptions in children with PA and in adults with other inborn errors of metabolism. Our patient presented a large variety of signs: functional neurologic disorders, borderline personality traits (emotional dyregulation, dissociative and alexithymic trends, obsessive-compulsive disorders), occurring in a context of neurodevelopmental disorder. Conclusion Clinical and paraclinical examinations are in favor of a mild mental retardation since childhood and disorders of behavior and personality without any definite psychiatric syndrome, as already described in other metabolic diseases (group 3). Nonetheless, further studies are needed to clarify the psychiatric alterations within adult patients with PA.

Intracranial Calcification Associated with 3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA Carboxylase Deficiency

3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (3-MCC) deficiency is the most frequent organic aciduria detected in newborn screening programs. It demonstrates a variable heterogeneous clinical phenotype, ranging from neonatal onset with severe neurological disorders to asymptomatic adult forms. Herein, we report the first 2 related cases of 3-MCC deficiency presenting with intracranial calcification in the literature. A girl and a boy aged 3 years, 9 months and 4 years were included in the study. The main clinical manifestations were acquired microcephaly, global developmental delay, intractable seizures, mild feeding difficulty, and intermittent dystonic contractions. On physical and neurological examinations, their weights, heights, and head circumferences were below the 3rd percentile, they had acquired microcephaly, truncal hypotonia, upper and lower limb spasticity, hyperreflexia, positive bilateral Babinski signs, and clonus. The detailed biochemical and metabolic tests were unremarkable, except blood 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine (C5OH) was slightly increased in case 1. Cranial computed tomography demonstrated mild cerebral and cerebellar atrophy as well as bilateral periventricular and thalamic calcifications in both cases. We identified a homozygous mutation of c.1015G&#x3e;A (p.V339M) in the <i>MCCC2</i>gene, and the mutation was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. To the best of our knowledge, our cases are the first reported describing intracranial calcification in cases with 3-MCC deficiency. This report expands on the underlying causes of intracranial calcifications and suggests that 3-MCC deficiency may have intracranial calcifications on bilateral thalamus and periventricular white matters. If clinical findings show intracranial calcification, 3-MCC deficiency should also be kept in mind.

The use of specialized products of children’s dietary medical nutrition for children with organic aciduria (acidemia)

Целью данного исследования было изучить эффективность и переносимость специализированных продуктов детского диетического лечебного питания у детей с наследственными нарушениями обмена аминокислот с рождения до трех лет. Проведено открытое, многоцентровое, проспективное, неконтролируемое исследование. В исследование включены 8 пациентов с установленным диагнозом в возрасте от рождения до 2 лет 11 месяцев. Пациенты были распределены на группы в зависимости от диагноза и вида исследуемого продукта (ИП). Оценка эффективности проводилась в соответствии с принципами надлежащей клинической практики, на основании полученных клинических и лабораторных данных. На протяжении всего исследования все пациенты успешно принимали ИП. Диспепсических явлений, аллергических реакций, ухудшения соматического и неврологического статуса не зарегистрировано ни в одном случае. На фоне лечения зафиксированы оптимальные уровни нейротоксичных метаболитов в крови и моче. Показана высокая клиническая эффективность ИП у детей с наследственными нарушениями обмена аминокислот с рождения до трех лет. To assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the products specialized children's dietary nutritional therapy in children with Inherited disorders of amino acid metabolism from birth to three years. 8 children from birth to 2y 11m with verified diagnoses were enrolled in this open-label multicenter prospective non-controlled study. Patients were separated to the groups depending on diagnose and nutritional treatment products. Clinical efficacy of the products was assessed according to the Good Clinical Practice guidelines based on clinical and laboratory tests. All patients taken nutritional treatment products throughout the study. No dyspepsia, allergic reactions, impairment of somatic and neurological status were reported. After the treatment, levels of neurotoxic metabolites in the blood and urine were optimal. Nutritional therapy is highly effective in children with Inherited disorders of amino acid metabolism from birth to three years.

The outcome of 41 Late-Diagnosed Turkish GA-1 Patients: A Candidate for the Turkish NBS

Background Glutaric aciduria type 1(GA-1) is an inherited cerebral organic aciduria. Untreated patients with GA-1 have a risk of acute encephalopathic crises during the first 6 years of life. In so far as GA-1 desperately does not exist in Turkish newborn screening (NBS) program, most patients in our study were late-diagnosed. Method This study included 41 patients diagnosed with acylcarnitine profile, urinary organic acids, mutation analyses in the symptomatic period. We presented with clinical, neuroradiological, and molecular data of our 41 patients. Results The mean age at diagnosis was 14.8 ± 13.9 (15 days to 72 months) and, high blood glutaconic acid, glutarylcarnitine and urinary glutaric acid (GA) levels in 41 patients were revealed. Seventeen different mutations in the glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase gene were identified, five of which were novel. The patients, most of whom were late-diagnosed, had a poor neurological outcome. Treatment strategies made a little improvement in dystonia and the frequency of encephalopathic attacks. Conclusion All GA-1 patients in our study were severely affected since they were late-diagnosed, while others show that GA-1 is a treatable metabolic disorder if it is diagnosed with NBS. This study provides an essential perspective of the severe impact on GA-1 patients unless it is diagnosed with NBS. We immediately advocate GA-1 to be included in the Turkish NBS.

A rare case of type i glutaric aciduria in an early child

Glutaric aciduria type I (deficiency of glutaryl-COA dehydrogenase, glutaric acidemia type I) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme glutaryl – COA - dehydrogenase (GCDH). Cerebral organic aciduria, caused by a deficiency of glutaryl-COA - dehydrogenase, is generally considered a neurological disorder.The phenotypic spectrum of untreated GA-1 varies from a more common and pronounced form (a disease with infancy) to a low-symptom and less common form. In people with the same genotype, the clinical manifestations and depth of CNS damage can vary widely depending on the age of manifestation of acute encephalopathic crises. It is assumed that with early detection and treatment of “asymptomatic” newborns (in the context of screening for this disease), most people who would have developed manifestations of GA-1 with childhood or late onset will remain asymptomatic.

Inconsistencies in the Nutrition Management of Glutaric Aciduria Type 1: An International Survey

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA-1) is a cerebral organic aciduria characterized by striatal injury and progressive movement disorder. Nutrition management shifted from a general restriction of intact protein to targeted restriction of lysine and tryptophan. Recent guidelines advocate for a low-lysine diet using lysine-free, tryptophan-reduced medical foods. GA-1 guideline recommendations for dietary management of patients over the age of six are unclear, ranging from avoiding excessive intake of intact protein to counting milligrams of lysine intake. A 22–question survey on the nutrition management of GA-1 was developed with the goal of understanding approaches to diet management for patients identified by newborn screening under age six years compared to management after diet liberalization, as well as to gain insight into how clinicians define diet liberalization. Seventy-six responses (25% of possible responses) to the survey were received. Nutrition management with GA-1 is divergent among surveyed clinicians. There was congruency among survey responses to the guidelines, but there is still uncertainty about how to counsel patients on diet optimization and when diet liberalization should occur. Ongoing clinical research and better understanding of the natural history of this disease will help establish stronger recommendations from which clinicians can best counsel families.

A 7-year-old boy with hand tremors and a novel mutation for L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria

L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L2HGA), which is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the encoding L2HGDH gene. Neurological symptoms are the main predominant clinical signs. The distinctive feature is the specific multifocal lesion of the white matter detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A 7-year-old male patient of Turkish origin was admitted to the hospital because of hand tremors. Physical examination revealed macrocephaly, intention tremors, walking disability and ataxic gait. Urine organic acid analysis showed increased excretion of L-2-hydroxyglutaric acid (L2HG acid). Analysis of the L2HGDH gene revealed a novel homozygous c.368A>G, p. (Tyr123Cys) mutation. L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria is a cerebral organic aciduria that may lead to various neurological complications. Early recognition of symptoms of L2HGA is important for initiation of supportive therapy that may slow down the progression of the disease.

An unusual presentation of biotinidase deficiency in infant: High anion gap metabolic acidosis and Burkholderia cepacia sepsis

Biotinidase deficiency (BD) is an inborn metabolic disorder caused by low enzyme activity giving rise to impaired biotin release from dietary proteins. The first symptoms may be seen at first week following birth until 1 year of age. The goal of the therapy is to increase biotin bioavailability by daily 5-20 mg lifelong biotin replacement. Three-month-old girl born to nonconsanguineous parents, admitted to pediatric intensive care with multiple seizures, breathing difficulty and posturing. Blood investigations showed thrombocytopenia and high anion gap metabolic acidosis (HAGMA). Enzyme assay for biotinidase revealed low activities. Urinary organic acid analysis was normal. Enzyme activity is <10% in severe cases whereas between 10-30% in partial deficiency. BD can cause metabolic ketoacidosis, Hyperammonemia and organic Aciduria. BD behaves like immunodeficiency. Rarely bacterial infection can be seen. Treatment is lifelong biotin replacement.

The Therapeutic Hypothermia in Treatment of Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy due to Urea Cycle Disorders and Organic Acidemias

Background Hyperammonemic encephalopathy in newborns with urea cycle disorders and certain organic acidurias can cause severe brain injury, coma and death. Standard therapy includes protein restriction, nitrogen-scavenging drugs, prevention of catabolism and hemodialysis. Neuroprotective hypothermia as part of the treatment has been reported only 3 times. It has been suggested that mild systemic hypothermia can contribute to better neurological outcomes in hyperammonemic encephalopathy. However, the limited experience precludes accurate conclusions on safety and efficacy. Methods Whole body therapeutic hypothermia was included in the standard treatment of hyperammonemic encephalopathy in 4 neonates with urea cycle disorder or organic aciduria. Results Two patients survived the initial crisis. One patient has a developmental quotient of 0.8, while the other shows severe developmental delay. The cooling protocol had to be discontinued in 3 patients due to the otherwise untreatable complications (hypotension and hemorrhage). Conclusion The efficacy and safety of therapeutic hypothermia in the treatment of neonatal hyperammonemic encephalopathy depend on various factors, requiring further evaluation.

Clinicoradiological Spectrum of L-2-Hydroxy Glutaric Aciduria: Typical and Atypical Findings in an Indian Cohort

Context: Neurometabolic disorders form an important group of potentially treatable diseases. It is important to recognize the clinical phenotype and characteristic imaging patterns to make an early diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment. L-2-hydroxy glutaric aciduria (L2HGA) is a rare organic aciduria with a consistent and highly characteristic imaging pattern, which clinches the diagnosis in most cases. Aims: The study aims to describe the clinical profile, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns, and outcome in a cohort of children with L2HGA and to assess the clinicoradiological correlation. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study done at the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Neurological Sciences of our institution. Clinical and radiological findings of children diagnosed with L2HGA over an 8-year period (2010–2017) were collected and analyzed. Descriptive statistical analysis of clinical and imaging data was performed. Results: There were six girls and four boys. A total of 14 MRI brain studies in 10 patients with the diagnosis were analyzed. MRI of all patients showed a similar pattern with extensive confluent subcortical white-matter signal changes with symmetrical involvement of dentate nuclei and basal ganglia. In two children who presented with acute decompensation, there was asymmetric cortical involvement and restricted diffusion, which are previously unreported. There was no significant correlation between the radiological pattern with the disease duration, clinical features, or course of the disease. Conclusion: MRI findings in L2HGA are highly consistent and diagnostic, which helps in early diagnosis, particularly in resource-constraint settings, where detailed metabolic workup is not possible. The article also describes novel clinical radiological profile of acute encephalopathic clinical presentation.