Abstract

ZALBA, B. et al. Encephalopathy by hyperammonemia in the teenager. Anales Sis San Navarra [online]. 2009, vol.32, n.3, pp.447-451. ISSN 1137-6627.

Background. Hyperammonemia causes several alterations, mainly in the central nervous system. If hepatic failure is not its etiology, other less frequent causes must be investigated in the search for a definitive diagnosis. Clinical case. We report the case of a 16 year old patient admitted for acute encephalopathy and hyperammonemia. After analysis, brain CT, ultrasound and abdominal Doppler, we began empirical treatment of hyperammoniemia secondary to disorders of the urea cycle. We treated the brain edema and eliminated ammonia but we did not obtain favourable results and the patient died four days later. Conclusions. The complex management of hyperammonemia and the high morbidity and mortality involved require a multidisciplinary approach. Only early treatment and identification of the hyperammonemia´s etiology can avoid high morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Keywords : Hyperammonemia; Urea cycle.

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