(See also Introduction to Congenital Kidney Tubular Disorders Introduction to Congenital Kidney Tubular Disorders The kidneys filter and cleanse the blood. They also maintain the body’s balance of water, dissolved salts (electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium), and nutrients in the blood.... read more .)
In Hartnup disease, the transport of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) in the intestine and kidneys is disordered. Hartnup disease occurs when a person inherits two copies of the abnormal gene for the disorder, one from each parent ( ). The defective gene controls the absorption of certain amino acids from the intestine and the reabsorption of those amino acids in the kidneys. Consequently, a person with Hartnup disease cannot absorb amino acids properly from the intestine and cannot reabsorb them properly from tubules in the kidneys.
Excessive amounts of amino acids, such as tryptophan, are excreted in the urine. The body is thus left with inadequate amounts of amino acids
Proteins
Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats supply 90% of the dry weight of the diet and 100% of its energy. All three provide energy (measured in calories), but the amount of energy in 1 gram (1/28 ounce)...
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. With too little tryptophan in the blood, the body is unable to make a sufficient amount of the B-complex vitamin niacin
Niacin Deficiency
Niacin deficiency (causing pellagra) is uncommon in developed countries. Many people with niacin deficiency also have deficiencies of protein, riboflavin (a B vitamin), and vitamin B6. A distinctive...
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, particularly under stress when more vitamins are needed.
Symptoms of Hartnup Disease
The intestines and kidneys function normally, aside from the problem transporting amino acids, and the effects of the disease occur mainly in the brain and skin. Although the disorder is present at birth, symptoms of Hartnup disease may begin in infancy or childhood, but sometimes they begin as late as early adulthood. Symptoms may be triggered by sunlight, fever, drugs, or emotional or physical stress.
A period of poor nutrition nearly always precedes an attack. Most symptoms occur sporadically and are caused by a deficiency of niacin. The symptoms resemble those caused by a dietary deficiency of niacin (pellagra
Niacin Deficiency
Niacin deficiency (causing pellagra) is uncommon in developed countries. Many people with niacin deficiency also have deficiencies of protein, riboflavin (a B vitamin), and vitamin B6. A distinctive...
read more
), particularly the rash that develops on parts of the body exposed to the sun. Intellectual disability, short stature, headaches, an unsteady gait, and collapsing or fainting are common. Psychologic problems (such as anxiety, rapid mood changes, delusions, and hallucinations) may also result.
Diagnosis of Hartnup Disease
Prognosis of Hartnup Disease
Treatment of Hartnup Disease
People with Hartnup disease can reduce the number and severity of attacks by maintaining good nutrition and eating enough protein and supplementing their diet with niacinamide or niacin
Niacin Deficiency
Niacin deficiency (causing pellagra) is uncommon in developed countries. Many people with niacin deficiency also have deficiencies of protein, riboflavin (a B vitamin), and vitamin B6. A distinctive...
read more
(a B-complex vitamin very similar to niacinamide).
People may take nicotinamide to treat attacks.
People who have Hartnup disease also should avoid sun exposure as well as antibiotics that contain sulfonamides.
