Dopa-responsive dystonia presenting as delayed and awkward gait

Pediatr Neurol. 2008 Apr;38(4):273-5. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2007.12.005.

Abstract

Dopa-responsive dystonia is a hereditary disease characterized by inadequate dopamine production. Autosomal-dominant cases result from mutations in the GCH1 gene, encoding guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-cyclohydrolase 1. The most common presenting manifestation is dystonia of a lower extremity, often worsening late in the day. The onset and clinical severity are variable, sometimes even within a single family. Gender effects on allele penetrance have been reported. We present a male toddler with dopa-responsive dystonia caused by an autosomal-dominant GCH1 mutation. Three other family members were also found to carry the mutation, with widely different functional consequences.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carbidopa / therapeutic use*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dopamine Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Dystonic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Dystonic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Dystonic Disorders / genetics*
  • GTP Cyclohydrolase / genetics*
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / drug therapy
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / etiology
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Mutation / genetics*
  • Pedigree

Substances

  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Drug Combinations
  • carbidopa, levodopa drug combination
  • Levodopa
  • GTP Cyclohydrolase
  • Carbidopa