Thiamine pyrophosphokinase deficiency causes a Leigh Disease like phenotype in a sibling pair: identification through whole exome sequencing and management strategies

We present a sibling pair with Leigh-like disease, progressive hypotonia, regression, and chronic encephalopathy. Whole exome sequencing in the younger sibling demonstrated a homozygous thiamine pyrophosphokinase (TPK) mutation. Initiation of high dose thiamine, niacin, biotin, α-lipoic acid and ket...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jamie L. Fraser, Adeline Vanderver, Sandra Yang, Taeun Chang, Laura Cramp, Gilbert Vezina, Uta Lichter-Konecki, Kristina P. Cusmano-Ozog, Patroula Smpokou, Kimberly A. Chapman, Dina J. Zand
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2014-01-01
Series:Molecular Genetics and Metabolism Reports
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214426914000147
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Summary:We present a sibling pair with Leigh-like disease, progressive hypotonia, regression, and chronic encephalopathy. Whole exome sequencing in the younger sibling demonstrated a homozygous thiamine pyrophosphokinase (TPK) mutation. Initiation of high dose thiamine, niacin, biotin, α-lipoic acid and ketogenic diet in this child demonstrated improvement in neurologic function and re-attainment of previously lost milestones. The diagnosis of TPK deficiency was difficult due to inconsistent biochemical and diagnostic parameters, rapidity of clinical demise and would not have been made in a timely manner without the use of whole exome sequencing. Molecular diagnosis allowed for attempt at dietary modification with cofactor supplementation which resulted in an improved clinical course.
ISSN:2214-4269