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Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency

Contributors: Benjamin L. Mazer MD, MBA
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder of metabolism. This disorder is due to a mutation at chromosome 11q13. Pyruvate carboxylase converts pyruvate to oxaloacetate, one of the key substrates of the citric acid cycle. Absence of this substrate significantly impairs cellular energy metabolism.

Patients with pyruvate carboxylase deficiency develop elevated serum lactate and ammonia as newborns or infants. This metabolic acidosis may lead to altered mental status and seizures. Patients go on to show delays in development and growth. Neurologic abnormalities, such as hypotonia, ataxia, and paralysis, also develop. Hypoglycemia is also characteristic of the disease.

Supplementation with biotin (a co-enzyme to pyruvate carboxylase) and thiamine (a stimulator of alternative metabolic pathways) is the primary treatment of pyruvate carboxylase deficiency. Despite treatment-improved metabolic acidosis, neurologic dysfunction remains progressive.

Codes

ICD10CM:
E74.4 – Disorders of pyruvate metabolism and gluconeogenesis

SNOMEDCT:
87694001 – Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency

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Last Updated:01/23/2022
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Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency
A medical illustration showing key findings of Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency (Type A) : Abdominal pain, Seizures, Vomiting, Failure to thrive, Lactic acidosis, Metabolic acidosis, Nystagmus
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.