6-pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin synthase deficiency: a case report

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2003:34 Suppl 3:186-8.

Abstract

A 5 day old girl screened positive for hyperphenylalaninemia on routine newborn screening. Initial diagnostic work-up showed elevated blood phenylalanine of 1100 mmol/L and low tyrosine. Limited protein diet and phenylalanine-free formula were prescribed. Further investigation revealed a defect in biopterin metabolism. Urine had no detectable biopterin (BH4) and an elevated level of neopterin at 24.31 mmol/mole Cr. Enzymatic assay showed zero level of 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin synthase. The activity in the mother was 3.5 or 19.9% of controls consistent with heterozygosity. The concentrations of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and homovanillic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid were below the reference ranges. A treatment regimen of BH4 tablets, 5 hydroxytryptophan and DOPA was initiated. The diagnostic evaluation, management and follow-up of patients with this disorder will be outlined. This is the first reported case of a Filipino with a defect in biopterin metabolism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 5-Hydroxytryptophan / administration & dosage
  • Biopterins / administration & dosage
  • Biopterins / analogs & derivatives*
  • Biopterins / deficiency
  • Biopterins / urine
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Neonatal Screening*
  • Neopterin / urine
  • Phenylketonurias / diagnosis*
  • Phenylketonurias / drug therapy
  • Phenylketonurias / enzymology
  • Phosphorus-Oxygen Lyases / deficiency*
  • Phosphorus-Oxygen Lyases / metabolism

Substances

  • Biopterins
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine
  • Neopterin
  • 5-Hydroxytryptophan
  • Phosphorus-Oxygen Lyases
  • 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase
  • sapropterin