Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)
What is MSUD?
Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a metabolism disorder passed down through families in which the body cannot break down certain parts of proteins. Urine in persons with this condition can smell like maple syrup.
Causes
Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is caused by a gene defect. Persons with this condition cannot break down the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. This leads to a build-up of these chemicals in the blood. In the most severe form, MSUD can damage the brain during times of physical stress (such as infection, fever, or not eating for a long time).
Some types of MSUD are mild or come and go. Even in the mildest form, repeated periods of physical stress can cause intellectual disability and high levels of leucine.
Symptoms
Exams and Tests
There will be signs of ketosis and excess acid in blood (acidosis).
Treatment
When the condition is diagnosed, and during episodes, treatment involves eating a protein-free diet. Fluids, sugars, and possibly fats are given through a vein (IV). Peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis can be used to reduce the level of abnormal substances.
Long term treatment requires a special diet. The diet includes a man-made infant formula with low levels of the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Persons with this condition must remain on this diet permanently.
It is very important to always follow this diet to prevent nervous system (neurological) damage. This requires frequent blood tests and close supervision by a registered dietitian and physician, as well as cooperation by the parents.
Outlook (Prognosis)
This disease can be life-threatening if untreated.
Even with dietary treatment, stressful situations and illness can still cause high levels of certain amino acids. Death may occur during these episodes. With strict dietary treatment, children have grown into adulthood and can remain healthy.
Possible Complications
Prevention
Genetic counselling is suggested for people who want to have children and who have a family history of maple syrup urine disease. Many states now screen all new-borns with blood tests for MSUD.
If a screening test shows that your baby may have MSUD, a follow-up blood test for amino acid levels should be done right away to confirm the disease.
Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a metabolism disorder passed down through families in which the body cannot break down certain parts of proteins. Urine in persons with this condition can smell like maple syrup.
Causes
Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is caused by a gene defect. Persons with this condition cannot break down the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. This leads to a build-up of these chemicals in the blood. In the most severe form, MSUD can damage the brain during times of physical stress (such as infection, fever, or not eating for a long time).
Some types of MSUD are mild or come and go. Even in the mildest form, repeated periods of physical stress can cause intellectual disability and high levels of leucine.
Symptoms
Exams and Tests
There will be signs of ketosis and excess acid in blood (acidosis).
Treatment
When the condition is diagnosed, and during episodes, treatment involves eating a protein-free diet. Fluids, sugars, and possibly fats are given through a vein (IV). Peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis can be used to reduce the level of abnormal substances.
Long term treatment requires a special diet. The diet includes a man-made infant formula with low levels of the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Persons with this condition must remain on this diet permanently.
It is very important to always follow this diet to prevent nervous system (neurological) damage. This requires frequent blood tests and close supervision by a registered dietitian and physician, as well as cooperation by the parents.
Outlook (Prognosis)
This disease can be life-threatening if untreated.
Even with dietary treatment, stressful situations and illness can still cause high levels of certain amino acids. Death may occur during these episodes. With strict dietary treatment, children have grown into adulthood and can remain healthy.
Possible Complications
- Coma
- Death
- Neurological damage
Prevention
Genetic counselling is suggested for people who want to have children and who have a family history of maple syrup urine disease. Many states now screen all new-borns with blood tests for MSUD.
If a screening test shows that your baby may have MSUD, a follow-up blood test for amino acid levels should be done right away to confirm the disease.