Multiple choice

The basis for the current treatment of urea cycle disorders is

  1. replacement of missing enzyme activity by enzyme infusion

  2. kidney transplant

  3. coenzyme replacement

  4. providing alternative pathways for excretion of ammonia
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Urea cycle disorders lead to buildup of ammonia. The mainstay of current treatment is to use substances such as sodium benzoate and sodium phenylacetate to complex with ammonia, forming water soluble compounds that can be excreted in the urine. In some cases, liver transplantation is used successfully as well.

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