Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiencies
Overview
Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency (also known as BH4 deficiency) is a rare disorder that increases the blood levels of phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is an amino acid obtained through the diet. It is found in all proteins and in some artificial sweeteners. If tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency is not treated, excess phenylalanine can build up to harmful levels in the body, causing mental retardation and other serious health problems. High levels of phenylalanine are present from infancy in people with untreated tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency. The resulting signs and symptoms range from mild to severe. Mild complications may include temporary low muscle tone. Severe complications include mental retardation, movement disorders, difficulty swallowing, seizures, behavioral problems, progressive problems with development, and an inability to control body temperature.
Symptoms
Hyperphenylalaninemia Seizures Behavioral problems Intellectual impairment Poor feeding in infants
Causes
This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means two copies of a specific gene in each cell are altered in order for the individual to be afflicted. Most often, the parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive disorder are carriers of one copy of the altered gene but do not show signs and symptoms of the disorder.
Treatment
Treatment of BH4 deficiencies consists of BH4 supplementation (2-2 mg/kg per day) or diet to control blood phenylalanine concentration and replacement therapy with neurotransmitters precursors (L-dopa/CarbiDOPA and 5-hydroxytryptophan) and supplements of folinic acid in DHPR deficiency.