Alkaptonuria

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Alkaptonuriais not the name you expected.

Synonyms

Alcaptonuria (alternate spelling for Alkaptonuria)
Alkaptonuric Ochronosis
Hereditary Alkaptonuria
Homogentisic Acid Oxidase Deficiency
Homogentisic Acidura
Ochronosis
Ochronotic Arthritis

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Alkaptonuria is a rare hereditary disorder in which homogentisic acid accumulates in the body and destroys connective tissue and bone, creating a condition called ochronosis. Symptoms generally begin during the second or third decade of life, and may progress to incapacitating bone and joint disease by the sixth to eighth decade of life. The condition is characterized by the excretion of large volumes of dark colored urine. The darkened urine is the result of the exposure to the air of homogentisic acid that accumulates in the urine.

Resources

CLIMB (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases)
Climb Building
176 Nantwich Road
Crewe, Intl CW2 6BG
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 870 7700 325
Fax: +44 870 7700 327
Email: info@climb.org.uk
Internet: http://www.CLIMB.org.uk

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
Tel: (914)428-7100
Fax: (914)997-4763
Tel: (888)663-4637
Email: Askus@marchofdimes.com
Internet: http://www.marchofdimes.com

NIH/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
USA
Tel: 3014954484
Fax: 3017186366
Tel: 8772264267
TDD: 3015652966
Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info

MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay, WI 54301-1243
USA
Tel: 9203365333
Fax: 9203390995
Tel: 8773365333
Email: mums@netnet.net
Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/

Alkaptonuria Society, LTD
12 High Beeches
Court Hey
Roby Road
Childwall, Liverpool, L16 39A
UK
Tel: 0151-737-1862
Fax: 0151-737-1862
Email: aku.aps@tiscali.co.uk
Internet: http://www.alkaptonuria.info

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 4/28/2008
Copyright 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1992, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

Go to top of page

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.