Abstract: The urea cycle is a series of metabolic reactions that convert ammonia into urea to remove it from the body. Urea cycle disorders are characterized by hyperammonemia, which can cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system. We report a series of three infants presenting with irritability, poor feeding, and rapid breathing. Their first gas analysis revealed respiratory alkalosis. Hyperammonemia was confirmed and three different urea cycle enzyme blocks were diagnosed. Immediate treatments for include removal of ammonia by reducing catabolism, dietary modification, use of nitrogen scavengers, and finally dialysis. Hyperammonemia is a medical emergency that should not delay treatment. This report aims to emphasize the importance of suspecting a urea cycle disorder in neonates with nonspecific signs of hyperammonemia and respiratory alkalosis, and to summarize the main management directions for hyperammonemia.
Keywords: hyperammonemia; respiratory alkalosis; urea cycle disorder; newborn; continuous venovenous hemodia filtration.
Title: Irritability, Poor Nutrition, and Respiratory Alkalosis in Neonates: Brief Summary of Hyperammonia Management
Author: Abdulmajeed Zaher Alshehri, Amn Owaid Alshammari, Noor Asaad Aljasham, GHADAH OMAR OWAIDH ALMUZAINI, Nawal Ali Aleisawi, Abdulaziz Saleh Alanazi, Faisal Ali Ahmed Otayn
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 11, Issue 1, April 2023 - September 2023
Page No: 98-103
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 26-June-2023
