Metabolic Diseases (will overlap with rare inherited) Flashcards
(67 cards)
What enzyme is deficient in homocystinuria?
Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS)
What is the genetic inheritance of homocystinuria?
Autosomal recessive
What substrate accumulates in homocystinuria?
Homocysteine and its metabolites
What are the clinical features of homocystinuria?
Intellectual disability, Thromboembolic events, Ectopia lentis (lens dislocation), Marfanoid body habitus, Osteoporosis
How is homocystinuria treated?
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplementation, Methionine-restricted diet, Folate and B12 supplementation
What is the treatment response to vitamin B6 in homocystinuria?
Some patients are responsive to high doses of vitamin B6, leading to reduced homocysteine levels
What other diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis of homocystinuria?
Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
What is the effect of homocystinuria on the cardiovascular system?
Increased risk of thromboembolism (stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
What is the characteristic ocular finding in homocystinuria?
Ectopia lentis (dislocated lens)
What are the skeletal findings in homocystinuria?
Marfanoid features (tall, long limbs, hypermobile joints), Osteoporosis
What enzyme is deficient in phenylketonuria (PKU)?
Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH)
What cofactor deficiency can also cause PKU?
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency
What is the genetic inheritance pattern of PKU?
Autosomal recessive
What substrate accumulates in PKU?
Phenylalanine
What amino acid becomes essential in PKU?
Tyrosine
What are the clinical features of PKU?
Intellectual disability, Seizures, Musty body odor, Eczema, Light skin and hair, Growth retardation
Why do PKU patients have light skin and hair?
Lack of tyrosine, which is needed for melanin synthesis
What is the characteristic odor in PKU and why does it occur?
Musty/mousy body odor due to phenylacetate accumulation
How is PKU diagnosed?
Newborn screening (elevated phenylalanine levels)
What is the treatment for PKU?
Phenylalanine-restricted diet, Tyrosine supplementation, BH4 supplementation in BH4-responsive cases
What foods must be avoided in PKU?
High-protein foods (meat, dairy, eggs), Aspartame (artificial sweetener)
What is maternal PKU syndrome?
Teratogenic effects of high phenylalanine levels in a pregnant woman with PKU
What are the clinical features of maternal PKU syndrome?
Microcephaly, Congenital heart defects, Intellectual disability, Growth restriction
What is the function of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in amino acid metabolism?
Cofactor for phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) and tyrosine hydroxylase