What are urea cycle disorders?
Urea cycle disorders include a group of diseases, each having a specific liver enzyme deficiency. Because they are inherited, other family members may be affected. These disorders vary in severity and may be first detected at various ages, from newborn infants to adults. They lead to increased amounts of ammonia in the blood, which may cause disturbed brain function and severe brain damage. Typical signs of the disease are decreased mental awareness, vomiting, combativeness, slurred speech, unstable gait, and unconsciousness. The diagnosis of urea cycle disorders requires special laboratory tests. These typical signs of the disease may recur after the diagnosis is made if the condition is not under control. If they do, the doctor should be notified immediately because this is a medical emergency. An infection can cause the condition to go out of control. Therefore, if a fever develops, the doctor should be seen immediately. A patient or carrier of these disorders should wear a Medic Al
