Tyrosinemia Type 1

HT1 is a serious inherited metabolic disorder that can lead to severe liver, kidney and neurological complications. Patients with HT1 are unable to break down an amino acid called tyrosine. As a result, a harmful chemical called succinyl acetone builds up in the blood. This can cause liver failure and potentially progress to liver cancer.^1-3

How is HT1 diagnosed?

Babies with HT1 often become unwell in the first few months of life and may present with symptoms such as poor weight gain, diarrhoea, vomiting or signs of liver failure such as yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.² Others may have a gradual onset of symptoms and signs that occur from rickets or kidney and neurological complications of the disease.^2,3

HT1 is diagnosed by high levels of succinyl acetone in the blood and urine, and molecular testing.³

How is HT1 managed?

HT1 is managed with a medication called nitisinone (NTBC) as well as a low protein diet, protein substitutes, supplements and measured amounts of tyrosine containing foods. High protein foods must be avoided such as meat, fish, eggs, cheese, milk, bread and pasta.¹ Together, these measures will help the patient meet their protein, energy, vitamin and mineral requirements and help prevent complications from developing.

A baby with HT1 will require a carefully regulated milk intake (may be formula or breastmilk), according to specialist metabolic dietetic input.¹

Patients will require frequent blood tests to monitor their condition, as well as regular developmental checks with close dietetic and specialist metabolic input.¹

Management is adjusted according to age, weight and blood tests.¹

These patients must be carefully monitored for the development of any liver, kidney or neurological complications as these can be very serious.