Tyrosinemia Type 1
Overview
Tyrosinemia type 1 results from a deficiency of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase, which is an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of the aromatic amino acid tyrosine. The metabolite succinylacetone accumulates, resulting in toxicity to the liver and renal cells. Tyrosinemia type 1 is included in newborn bloodspot screening, identifying most affected infants using succinylacetone as the primary marker. Patients can be missed when tyrosine is used as a marker since levels can be normal in the newborn period in tyrosinemia type I. Treatment prevents most of the toxicity resulting from the enzyme deficiency.
Other Names & Coding
E70.21, Tyrosinemia
Prevalence
Genetics
Prognosis
Practice Guidelines
There are no published guidelines for the diagnosis or treatment of tyrosinemia
type 1.
Chinsky JM, Singh R, Ficicioglu C, van Karnebeek CDM, Grompe M, Mitchell G, Waisbren SE, Gucsavas-Calikoglu M, Wasserstein
MP, Coakley K, Scott CR.
Diagnosis and treatment of tyrosinemia type I: a US and Canadian consensus group review and recommendations.
Genet Med.
2017;19(12).
PubMed abstract / Full Text
de Laet C, Dionisi-Vici C, Leonard JV, McKiernan P, Mitchell G, Monti L, de Baulny HO, Pintos-Morell G, Spiekerkötter U.
Recommendations for the management of tyrosinaemia type 1.
Orphanet J Rare Dis.
2013;8:8.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Roles of the Medical Home
Clinical Assessment
Overview
If the child has learning or attention problems, consider neuropsychological evaluation. Episodes suggestive of neurologic crises should prompt evaluation of the amount of tyrosine restriction in the diet, nitisinone (NTBC) dosing, and/or compliance. Otherwise, treated children should have a normal clinical course.
Pearls & Alerts for Assessment
Newborn screening may miss the diagnosisSince the tyrosine levels in newborns may be normal, screening using tyrosine as the tested analyte may miss tyrosinemia type 1.
Neuropsychological abnormalities despite treatmentMonitored for neuropsychological abnormalities, which may exist even in treated children, and provide prompt treatment as necessary. [Schiff: 2011] [van: 2019]
Neurologic crises may occur in treated childrenAlthough the exact cause is unclear, neurologic crises can occur in individuals who are not receiving adequate doses of nitisinone (NTBC). [Schlump: 2008]
Screening
For the Condition
Of Family Members
For Complications
Presentations
- As newborns with severe liver involvement characterized by jaundice, ascites, loss of clotting factor synthesis, and GI bleeding
- In the first year with
- Liver involvement
- Renal involvement (renal tubular dysfunction)
- Growth failure
- Rickets
- Distinctive odor to the body and urine (boiled cabbage/rotten mushroom)
- Neurologic crises
- As older children with rickets and with only minimal liver involvement
Differential Diagnosis
- Infection (viral – CMV, hepatitis A/B, herpes, or bacterial – sepsis, salmonella, TB)
- Idiosyncratic drug reaction, acetaminophen toxicity, herbal medicine or mushroom poisoning
- Metabolic disorders, including congenital disorders of glycosylation, transaldolase deficiency, mitochondrial DNA depletion syndromes
- Any type of primary liver disease
Comorbid & Secondary Conditions
Corneal crystals may occur if an individual has very high tyrosine levels (>700 uM/L) while being treated with nitisinone. [Sniderman: 2017]
Hepatocellular carcinoma may still occur in the treated individual and should be screened for on a routine basis. [Sniderman: 2017]
History & Examination
Current & Past Medical History
Developmental & Educational Progress
Social & Family Functioning
Testing
Laboratory Testing
Plasma amino acids (for tyrosine and phenylalanine levels) and urine organic acids (for succinylacetone), alpha-fetoprotein, liver function tests levels, PT/PTT, and abdominal ultrasounds are followed regularly or as indicated clinically.
Genetic Testing
Specialty Collaborations & Other Services
Biochemical Genetics (Metabolics) (see NM providers [1])
Developmental - Behavioral Pediatrics (see NM providers [2])
Developmental Assessments (see NM providers [105])
Treatment & Management
Pearls & Alerts for Treatment & Management
Nitisinone (NTBC)The drug used to treat tyrosinemia (2-(2-nitro-4-fluoromethylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione) has low toxicity but is expensive. It is given at a dose of 1 mg/kg per day. Dosage should be adjusted to maintain blood nitisinone levels between 40 and 60 µmol/L, making sure that succynylacetone normalizes in plasma or urine.
Tyrosinemia dietAn individual treated with tyrosinemia follows a low-phenylalanine and low-tyrosine diet that is adjusted based on biochemical lab values. The metabolic dietitian helps guide families through the introduction of appropriate solid foods.
Medical foodsMost individuals with tyrosinemia will take a phenylalanine and tyrosine deficient metabolic formula to meet needs for total protein, vitamins, minerals, and calories throughout life. It may be helpful to reinforce the need to brush teeth after formula, especially when given before bedtime to prevent bottle rot.
How should common problems be managed differently in children with Tyrosinemia Type 1?
Growth or Weight Gain
Development (Cognitive, Motor, Language, Social-Emotional)
Over the Counter Medications
Prescription Medications
Systems
Endocrine/Metabolism
Treatment currently involves a low tyrosine/phenylalanine diet and nitisinone (NTBC). Prior to this medication, liver transplantation was the only effective treatment. Nitisinone is initiated at 1-2 mg/kg/day and modified to reach a blood nitisinone concentration of 40-60 uM/L with the normalization of succinylacetone in plasma and urine. [Sander: 2011] [Chinsky: 2017] Although generally given twice a day, once-daily dosing may be adequate. [Schlune: 2012] [Chinsky: 2017]
If a child is diagnosed after the onset of acute liver failure, nitisinone administration leads to improvement within a few days to a week. [Santra: 2008] This medication may not be readily available in developing countries due to expense. [El-Karaksy: 2011] In the US, the need for liver transplants for tyrosinemia has decreased dramatically. [El-Karaksy: 2010]
Specialty Collaborations & Other Services
Biochemical Genetics (Metabolics) (see NM providers [1])
Nutrition/Growth/Bone
Individuals with tyrosinemia should have plasma amino acids regularly monitored to assess compliance with the low tyrosine, low phenylalanine diet. Individuals who are struggling to comply with the diet may need increased education, more frequent follow-up with their metabolic team, and an individualized plan to increase adherence.
Neurology
Ask the Specialist
Does nitisinone need to be given twice per day?
The current recommendations suggest dividing nitisinone into 2 daily doses for the first year of life. After this time, single daily dosing can be considered.
Why is there a need to restrict phenylalanine in addition to tyrosine?
Both phenylalanine and tyrosine are aromatic amino acids. Phenylalanine is a precursor to tyrosine and can elevate tyrosine levels if not restricted. The metabolic team will work with tyrosinemia type 1 individuals to ensure appropriate plasma levels of both phenylalanine and tyrosine to promote normal growth and development while avoiding toxic levels of tyrosine.
What screenings should be performed regularly for these individuals?
In addition to regular screenings for hepatocellular carcinoma, individuals with tyrosinemia type 1 should receive regular eye examinations through ophthalmology. The reason for this is that nitisinone treated individuals can have higher levels of tyrosine (especially if not following the diet), and this can result in tyrosine crystals forming in the eyes, which leads to corneal corrosion.
Resources for Clinicians
On the Web
Tyrosinemia Type 1 (GeneReviews)
Clinical characteristics, diagnosis/testing, management, genetic counseling, and molecular pathogenesis; from the University
of Washington and the National Library of Medicine.
Helpful Articles
Articles published within the last 5 years about tyrosinemia type 1 in children
Couce ML, Dalmau J, del Toro M, Pintos-Morell G, Aldámiz-Echevarría L.
Tyrosinemia type 1 in Spain: mutational analysis, treatment and long-term outcome.
Pediatr Int.
2011;53(6):985-9.
PubMed abstract
Scott CR.
The genetic tyrosinemias.
Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet.
2006;142C(2):121-6.
PubMed abstract
de Laet C, Dionisi-Vici C, Leonard JV, McKiernan P, Mitchell G, Monti L, de Baulny HO, Pintos-Morell G, Spiekerkötter U.
Recommendations for the management of tyrosinaemia type 1.
Orphanet J Rare Dis.
2013;8:8.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Developed by a European collaboration; recommendations may not apply to the United States, particularly as they relate to
early diagnosis, since tyrosinemia is now routinely screened for in the US.
Clinical Tools
Care, Action, & Self-Care Plans
NM ACT Sheet for Tyrosinemia (ACMG) ( 119 KB)
Provides recommendations for clinical and laboratory follow-up of the newborn with out-of-range screening results, along with
national and local resources for clinicians and families; American College of Medical Genetics.
Care Processes & Protocols
Confirmatory Algorithm for Tyrosinemia (ACMG) ( 146 KB)
An algorithm of the basic steps involved in determining the final diagnosis of an infant with a positive newborn screen; American
College of Medical Genetics.
Confirmatory Algorithms Tyrosine Normal/Elevated and SUAC Elevated (ACMG) ( 156 KB)
An algorithm of the basic steps involved in determining the final diagnosis of an infant with a positive newborn screen; American
College of Medical Genetics.
Patient Education & Instructions
Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type 1 Booklet (Nutricia Metabolics) ( 7.1 MB)
Thirty-page booklet for families following a positive newborn screening.
Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type 1 Video (Nutricia Metabolics)
An 8-minute, easy-to-follow education for families after a positive newborn screening for Tyrosinemia Type-1 (HT-1).
Resources for Patients & Families
Information on the Web
Tyrosinemia Type 1 - Information for Parents (STAR-G)
A fact sheet, written by a genetic counselor and reviewed by metabolic and genetic specialists, for families who have received
an initial diagnosis of this newborn disorder; Screening, Technology and Research in Genetics.
Tyrosinemia Type 1 (MedlinePlus)
Information for families that includes description, frequency, causes, inheritance, other names, and additional resources;
from the National Library of Medicine.
Tyrosinemia Type 1 (GARD)
Includes information about symptoms, inheritance, diagnosis, finding a specialist, related diseases, and support organizations;
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.
National & Local Support
Tyrosinemia Society
Includes advocates, caregivers, and health professionals in order to provide education and encouragement to families living
with tyrosinemia. Includes a link to a Facebook support group for tyrosinemia.
The Network of Tyrosinemia Advocates (NOTA)
Provides support and advocacy for those living with tyrosinemia. Links to the Facebook support group for tyrosinemia. Hosts
an annual NOTA Camp for families living with at least one child with tyrosinemia.
Studies/Registries
Tyrosinemia Type 1 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Studies looking at better understanding, diagnosing, and treating this condition; from the National Library of Medicine.
Services for Patients & Families in New Mexico (NM)
Service Categories | # of providers* in: | NM | NW | Other states (3) (show) | | NV | RI | UT |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Biochemical Genetics (Metabolics) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | |||
Developmental Assessments | 105 | 1 | 5 | 35 | 54 | |||
Developmental - Behavioral Pediatrics | 2 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 9 | |||
Nutrition, Metabolic | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 11 |
For services not listed above, browse our Services categories or search our database.
* number of provider listings may vary by how states categorize services, whether providers are listed by organization or individual, how services are organized in the state, and other factors; Nationwide (NW) providers are generally limited to web-based services, provider locator services, and organizations that serve children from across the nation.
Authors & Reviewers
Author: | Chelsea Norman, BS, RDN, CD |
Senior Author: | Nicola Longo, MD, Ph.D. |
2013: first version: Nicola Longo, MD, Ph.D.A |
Bibliography
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Hereditary tyrosinaemia type I in Norway: incidence and three novel small deletions in the fumarylacetoacetase gene.
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2012;72(5):369-73.
PubMed abstract
Chinsky JM, Singh R, Ficicioglu C, van Karnebeek CDM, Grompe M, Mitchell G, Waisbren SE, Gucsavas-Calikoglu M, Wasserstein
MP, Coakley K, Scott CR.
Diagnosis and treatment of tyrosinemia type I: a US and Canadian consensus group review and recommendations.
Genet Med.
2017;19(12).
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Couce ML, Dalmau J, del Toro M, Pintos-Morell G, Aldámiz-Echevarría L.
Tyrosinemia type 1 in Spain: mutational analysis, treatment and long-term outcome.
Pediatr Int.
2011;53(6):985-9.
PubMed abstract
de Laet C, Dionisi-Vici C, Leonard JV, McKiernan P, Mitchell G, Monti L, de Baulny HO, Pintos-Morell G, Spiekerkötter U.
Recommendations for the management of tyrosinaemia type 1.
Orphanet J Rare Dis.
2013;8:8.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Developed by a European collaboration; recommendations may not apply to the United States, particularly as they relate to
early diagnosis, since tyrosinemia is now routinely screened for in the US.
El-Karaksy H, Fahmy M, El-Raziky M, El-Koofy N, El-Sayed R, Rashed MS, El-Kiki H, El-Hennawy A, Mohsen N.
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PubMed abstract
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Clinical practice. NTBC therapy for tyrosinemia type 1: how much is enough?.
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PubMed abstract
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Long-term cognitive functioning in individuals with tyrosinemia type 1 treated with nitisinone and protein-restricted diet.
Mol Genet Metab Rep.
2017;11:12-16.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
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Newborn Screening for Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type I in Québec: Update.
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PubMed abstract
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PubMed abstract
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PubMed abstract
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PubMed abstract
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PubMed abstract
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PubMed abstract
Schlune A, Thimm E, Herebian D, Spiekerkoetter U.
Single dose NTBC-treatment of hereditary tyrosinemia type I.
J Inherit Metab Dis.
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PubMed abstract
Scott CR.
The genetic tyrosinemias.
Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet.
2006;142C(2):121-6.
PubMed abstract
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Tyrosinemia Type I.
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2017.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
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Inborn errors of metabolism identified via newborn screening: Ten-year incidence data and costs of nutritional interventions
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PubMed abstract / Full Text
van Ginkel WG, Jahja R, Huijbregts SC, Daly A, MacDonald A, De Laet C, Cassiman D, Eyskens F, Körver-Keularts IM, Goyens PJ,
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