Argininosuccinic Aciduria-A Rare Indication for Liver Transplant: Report of Two Cases.

ABSTRACT

Argininosuccinic aciduria is a urea cycle disorder caused by an argininosuccinate lyase enzyme deficiency that ends with nitrogen accumulation as ammonia. Argininosuccinic aciduria patients are at risk for long-term complications including poor neurocognitive outcome, hepatic disease, and systemic hypertension despite strict pharmacologic and dietary therapy. As the liver is the principle site of activity of the urea cycle, it is logical that a liver transplant should be an option, with careful patient selection, even in the absence of cirrhosis. We present 2 pediatric argininosuccinic aciduria patients who underwent a living-donor liver transplant from their mothers. After the liver transplant, the general well-being of the patients and their quality of life improved significantly. Liver transplant should be an option for argininosuccinic aciduria patients to prevent further neurologic deterioration and improve the patient's quality of life.