6-Pyruvoyl-Tetrahydropterin Synthase (PTPS) Deficiency

Persistent hyperphenylalaninemia may be caused by defects in metabolism or regeneration of tetrahydrobiopterin. 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency is an inborn error of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) synthesis that accounts for approximately 60% of all tetrahydrobiopterin deficiencies. BH4 is a cofactor essential for phenylalanine hydroxylase, and tryptophan and tyrosine hydroxylases; decreased activities of the latter enzymes is likely the cause of the neurologic symptoms associated with this disorder. Infants develop neurological symptoms even though blood phenylalanine levels are normal. Approximately 80% of patients with PTPS deficiency present with the severe “typical” form characterized by early onset of severe neurological symptoms including microcephaly, psychomotor retardation, tonal abnormalities, seizures, hypothermia and hyperthermia (without infections), swallowing difficulties and hypersalivation. Other features include mental retardation and microcephaly. The clinical course of severe PTPS deficiency may be similar to that in other inborn errors of BH4 metabolism namely dihydropteridine reductase deficiency and GTP cyclohydrolase I deficiency. Less severely affected patients are classified as having a mild/peripheral or “atypical” form of PTPS deficiency with symptoms ranging from transient hyperphenylalanemia to cases where a mild form progresses into a severe form

Tests Available

Forms and Documents

Test Info Sheet Test Requisition Form

Test Details

  • Confirmation of biochemical diagnosis
  • Carrier testing
  • Prenatal diagnosis in at risk pregnancies

Ordering

380
4-5 weeks
2-5 mL Blood - Lavender Top Tube
Buccal Swabs

*Reporting times are typical, but could be extended in situations outside GeneDx's reasonable control.

Billing

81479x1
No
Yes
  • 270.1 Phenylketonuria [PKU], Hyperphenylalaninemia
For price inquiries please email zebras@genedx.com

**The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.

References

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  5. Liu et al., (2001) Clin Chim Acta 313:157-169
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  8. Kluge et al., (1996) Eur J Biochem 240:477-484
  9. Opppliger et al., (1997) Hum Mutat 10:25-35
  10. Romstad et al., (1999) Clin Chem 45:2102-2108
  11. Dudesek et al., (2001) Eur J Pediatr 160:267-276
  12. BIOMDB: Database of Mutations Causing Tetrahydrobiopterin Deficiencies (database online) (http://www.biopku.org/BioPKU_DatabasesBIOMDB.asp) curated by N. Blau, Beat Thöny
  13. Thony and Blau (2006) Hum Mutat 27:870-878
  14. Leuzzi et al., (2010) Clin Genet 77:249-257