Corticosteroid-induced hyperammonaemic encephalopathy in a woman with late-onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency

Abstract

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is a rare, X linked disorder that can manifest in late adulthood in heterozygous females as severe hyperammonaemia following environmental stressors. We present a case of hyperammonaemic encephalopathy that was triggered by glucocorticoid administration in an adult woman with heterozygous OTCD with clinical response to haemodialysis, ammonia scavengers and a high-calorie, low-protein diet.

Keywords: Dialysis; Genetics; Medical management; Unwanted effects / adverse reactions.