Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Multiple carboxylase deficiency
Introduction
Multiple carboxylase deficiency is a form of metabolic disorder involving failures of carboxylation enzymes.
The deficiency can be in biotinidase or holocarboxylase synthetase.[1]
These conditions respond to biotin.[2]
Forms include:
- Holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency – neonatal;
- Biotinidase deficiency – late onset;
If left untreated, the symptoms can include feeding problems, hypotonia, generalised erythematous rash with skin exfoliation and alopecia, failure to thrive, seizure, coma, developmental delay, foul smelling urine, metabolic acidosis, ketosis and hyperammonemia.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]