Recurrent encephalopathy: NAGS (N-Acetylglutamate Synthase) deficiency in adults

Authors

A. Cartagena, Western University
A. Prasad, Western UniversityFollow
C. Rupar, Western UniversityFollow
M. Strong, Western University
M. Tuchman, Center for Genetic Medicine Research
N. Mew, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center
C. Prasad, Western UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Journal

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences

Volume

40

Issue

1

First Page

3

Last Page

9

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1017/S0317167100012877

Abstract

N-acetyl-glutamate synthase (NAGS) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive urea cycle disorder (UCD) that uncommonly presents in adulthood. Adult presentations of UCDs include; confusional episodes, neuropsychiatric symptoms and encephalopathy. To date, there have been no detailed neurological descriptions of an adult onset presentation of NAGS deficiency. In this review we examine the clinical presentation and management of UCDs with an emphasis on NAGS deficiency. An illustrative case is provided. Plasma ammonia levels should be measured in all adult patients with unexplained encephalopathy, as treatment can be potentially life-saving. Availability of N-carbamylglutamate (NCG; carglumic acid) has made protein restriction largely unnecessary in treatment regimens currently employed. Genetic counselling remains an essential component of management of NAGS.