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Disease Profile
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.
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Age of onset
Infancy
ICD-10
G24.8
Inheritance
Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.
Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.
X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.
X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.
Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.
Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.
Not applicable
Other names (AKA)
Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase deficiency; AADC deficiency; DDC deficiency;
Categories
Congenital and Genetic Diseases; Eye diseases; Metabolic disorders;
Summary
Aromatic l
AADC deficiency is caused by
Symptoms
Many people with AADC deficiency experience episodes called oculogyric crises (also called "spells" or "attacks"), which are characterized by abnormal rotation of the eyeballs, extreme irritability and agitation, pain, muscle spasms, and uncontrolled movements of the head and neck.[1][2]. These episodes can last for many hours and can be times of extreme concern for caregivers and family members.[2]
AADC deficiency may also affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body processes like regulation of blood pressure and body temperature. Autonomic symptoms may include droopy eye lids (
The signs and symptoms of AADC deficiency tend to worsen late in the day or when the individual is tired, and symptoms tend to improve after sleep.[1]
This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.
Medical Terms | Other Names |
Learn More:
HPO ID
|
---|---|---|
Percent of people who have these symptoms is not available through HPO | ||
Abnormality of the face |
Abnormal face
Facial abnormality
[ more ] |
0000271 |
0000007 | ||
Babinski sign | 0003487 | |
Choreoathetosis | 0001266 | |
Constipation | 0002019 | |
Decreased CSF homovanillic acid | 0003785 | |
Diarrhea |
Watery stool
|
0002014 |
Emotional lability |
Emotional instability
|
0000712 |
Feeding difficulties in infancy | 0008872 | |
Gastroesophageal reflux |
Acid reflux
Acid reflux disease
Heartburn
[ more ] |
0002020 |
Global developmental delay | 0001263 | |
Hyperhidrosis |
Excessive sweating
Increased sweating
Profuse sweating
Sweating
Sweating profusely
Sweating, increased
[ more ] |
0000975 |
Hyperreflexia |
Increased reflexes
|
0001347 |
Hypotension |
Low blood pressure
|
0002615 |
Infantile onset |
Onset in first year of life
Onset in infancy
[ more ] |
0003593 |
Intermittent hypothermia |
Intermittent abnormally low body temperature
|
0005964 |
Irritability |
Irritable
|
0000737 |
Limb |
0002451 | |
Limb hypertonia |
Increased muscle tone of arm or leg
|
0002509 |
Miosis |
Constricted pupils
Pupillary constriction
[ more ] |
0000616 |
Muscular hypotonia of the trunk |
Low muscle tone in trunk
|
0008936 |
Myoclonus | 0001336 | |
Nasal obstruction |
Blockage of nose
Nasal blockage
Obstruction of nose
Stuffy nose
[ more ] |
0001742 |
Ptosis |
Drooping upper eyelid
|
0000508 |
Sleep disturbance |
Difficulty sleeping
Trouble sleeping
[ more ] |
0002360 |
Temperature instability | 0005968 |
Cause
When there is a mutation in DDC, the body does not create AADC enzyme correctly, and there are not enough properly working neurotransmitters in the body. These changes therefore cause the symptoms associated with AADC deficiency.[1]
Diagnosis
If these tests are consistent with an individual having AADC deficiency,
Testing Resources
- The Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) provides information about the genetic tests for this condition. The intended audience for the GTR is health care providers and researchers. Patients and consumers with specific questions about a genetic test should contact a health care provider or a genetics professional.
Treatment
Since the nervous system in a child with AADC deficiency does not have enough of certain neurotransmitters, the goal of many of the treatments is to make certain as much of these neurotransmitters are available as possible.[4]
Medication could include any one or combination of the following:[4]
Other treatments may depend on the symptoms of each individual. These treatment options include:[4]
- Anticholinergic agents to treat movement disorders
- Seizure medication
- Gastrointestinal medications
- Melatonin to treat sleep disturbances
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy may also be helpful in improving symptoms of the disease.[2][4]
Gene therapy treatment for AADC deficiency seems promising and
Organizations
Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.
Organizations Supporting this Disease
-
Pediatric Neurotransmitter Disease Association
28 Prescott Place
Old Bethpage, NY 11804
Telephone: 603-733-8409
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.pndassoc.org/ -
The AADC Research Trust
320 Limpsfield Road
Hamsey Green
Surrey CR2 9BX
United Kingdom
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.aadcresearch.org/
Learn more
These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.
Where to Start
- Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine.
In-Depth Information
- The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
- Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. Each entry has a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
- Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
Selected Full-Text Journal Articles
- Kojima K, Nakajima T, Taga N, et. al. Gene therapy improves motor and mental function of aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency. Brain. 2019 Feb 1;142(2):322-333.
References
- Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency. Genetics Home Reference (GHR). May 2008; https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/aromatic-l-amino-acid-decarboxylase-deficiency.
- What is Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency?. Pediatric Neurotransmitter Disease Association. https://www.pndassoc.org/diseases/aadc.html. Accessed 7/7/2017.
- Chien YH, Chen PW, Lee NC, Hsieh WS, Chiu PC, Hwu WL, Tsai FJ, Lin SP, Chu SY, Jong YJ, and Chao MC. 3-O-methyldopa levels in newborns: Result of newborn screening for aromatic l-aminio acid decarboxylase deficiency. Molecular Genetics and Metabolism. August 2016; 118(4):259-263. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27216367.
- Wassenberg T, Molero-Luis M, Jeltsch K, Hoffmann G, Assmann B, Blau N, Garcia-Carzola A, Artuch R, Pons R, Pearson TS, Leuzzi V, Mastrangelo M, Pearl PL, Lee WT, Kurian MA, Heales S, Flint L, Verbeek M, Willemsen M, and Opladen T. Consensus guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2017; 12:12:https://ojrd.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s13023-016-0522-z?site=ojrd.biomedcentral.com.
- Kojima K, Anzai R, Ohba C, Goto T, Miyauchi A, Thöny B, Saitsu H, Matsumoto N, Osaka H, and Yamagata T. A female case of aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency responsive to MAO-B inhibition. Brain Dev. November 2016; 38(10):959-963. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27371992.
- Helman G, Pappa MB, and Pearl PL. Widening Phenotypic Spectrum of AADC Deficiency, a Disorder of Dopamine and Serotonin Synthesis. JIMD Reports. 2014; 17:23-27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4241195/.
- Alfadhel M and Kattan R. Aromatic Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency Not Responding to Pyridoxine and Bromocriptine Therapy: Case Report and Review of Response to Treatment. Journal of Central Nervous System Disease. January 7 2014; 6:1-5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3891626.
- Lee NC, Muramatsu SI,Chien YH, Liu WS, Wang WH, Cheng CH, Hu MK, Chen PW, Tzen KY, Byrne BJ, and Hwu WL. Benefits of Neuronal Preferential Systemic Gene Therapy for Neurotransmitter Deficiency. Molecular Therapy. October 2015; 23(10):1572-1581. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4817920.
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