ePrints

Hypothesis: proposals for the management of a neonate at risk of hyperammonaemia due to a urea cycle disorder

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Martin Ward Platt, Dr Andrew Morris

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

It is difficult to prevent hyperammonaemia in patients with urea cycle disorders that present in the newborn period. This is true, even if treatment is started prospectively because of an affected relative. We propose several additional measures that could be used in conjunction with conventional therapy to improve the metabolic control. Catabolism could be reduced by delivering the babies by elective caesarean section, by starting intravenous glucose immediately after delivery and, possibly, by using ?-blockers or octreotide and insulin. The effectiveness of sodium benzoate and sodium phenylbutyrate might be increased by giving phenobarbital to the mother before delivery and subsequently to the baby to induce the enzymes for conjugation. We would expect the proposed measures to reduce the risk of hyperammonaemia and to improve the outcome for these patients. They have not, however, previously been used in this context, so families would need to be counselled carefully and controlled studies should be undertaken.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Leonard JV, Ward Platt MP, Morris AA

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: European Journal of Pediatrics

Year: 2008

Volume: 167

Issue: 3

Pages: 305-309

ISSN (print): 0340-6199

ISSN (electronic): 1432-1076

Publisher: Springer

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00431-007-0486-z

DOI: 10.1007/s00431-007-0486-z

PubMed id: 17436013

Altmetrics

Share