Classical homocystinuria (NORD)
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Classical homocystinuria (NORD)
Information for patients and families
Information for patients and families
Information for patients and families
Information for patients and families
Information for patients and families
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Classical homocystinuria also called cystathionine beta-synthase, or CBS, deficiency is characterized by too much of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood and urine.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and proteins are needed for proper growth and development of our bodies. Enzymes are a type of protein in the body which help speed up chemical reactions.
CBS deficiency usually occurs when there is a problem with one of the enzymes involved in converting the amino acid methionine into the amino acid cysteine, resulting in a buildup of methionine and homocysteine and decreased production of cysteine.
This build up of methionine and homocysteine amino acids can cause a wide range of symptoms which vary by severity and age.
Infants experience generalized symptoms such as slow growth and weight gain, as well as possible developmental delays. After age three, more specific symptoms begin to appear.
Symptoms in the eyes may include the lenses of the eye dislocating or becoming cloudy, severe nearsightedness, and quivering of the iris.
Other symptoms may include vision loss from damage to the primary nerve that sends signals from the eye to the brain, severe headache or eye pain from increased pressure in the back of the eye, and blurry vision or “floaters” in the field of vision from retinal damage.
Skeletal abnormalities also occur, with people affected by the condition characteristically having long, lanky limbs, and knees that bend towards each other when standing up straight.
The arch of the inside of the foot may be high, with the majority of the foot not touching the ground. The chest may also stick out more than usual or cave inward.
Older individuals with CBS deficiency tend to experience a decrease in bone density, making it easier for their bones to fracture.
Blood clots can also form at any age, causing the most serious complications of CBS deficiency depending on the location of the clot.
These complications include strokes from clots in the brain and pulmonary embolism from blood clots in the lungs.
Individuals with classical homocystinuria may also have intellectual disability or experience mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Summary
Classical homocystinuria, also known as Cystathionine Beta-Synthase (CBS), is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation of the CBS gene, resulting in impaired homocysteine metabolism. Homocysteine is a compound that is derived from the amino acid methionine. Normally, the CBS enzyme helps to break down a protein called homocysteine. When it is not working properly, homocysteine levels can become very high. This can damage blood vessels and organs, including the heart, brain, and eyes.
Symptoms include poor growth and developmental delay in infants, myopia, and downward and inward subluxation of the eye lens. Also, people with classical homocystinuria often have a tall, thin build and long limbs. They may also have a small head size, scoliosis, and osteoporosis. Intellectual disability is common in this disorder. High levels of homocysteine can damage the blood vessels, leading to problems with the heart, brain, and eyes. For example, people with this disorder may have an increased risk of stroke or other problems with the blood vessels in the brain. They may also have an increased risk for cataracts or other issues with the eyes.
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