Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate-Dependent Epilepsy
Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent epilepsy is a rare genetic metabolic disorder. Babies born with this disorder are not able to make enough Vitamin B6 and this causes the baby to start having seizures soon after they are born (also called early onset or neonatal onset seizures). The normal drugs to treat seizures (anti-seizure medications or anti-convulsants) do not work for these babies, however seizures can be controlled by pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (the active form of Vitamin B6). Published studies in 2015 have shown that some babies with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent epilepsy also respond well to pyridoxene (a different form of Vitamin B6).
Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent epilepsy is caused by changes or mutations in the PNPO gene and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Diagnosis is suspected by early onset of seizures which are not controlled by normal anti-seizure medications. Genetic testing is used to confirm the diagnosis. The disorder is fatal without treatment. Early treatment is important to decrease the chance of long term developmental delays. Some babies with early treatment have developed normally without any intellectual disabilities. There are less than 50 known cases of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent epilepsy as of 2015.
Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent epilepsy is caused by changes or mutations in the PNPO gene and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Diagnosis is suspected by early onset of seizures which are not controlled by normal anti-seizure medications. Genetic testing is used to confirm the diagnosis. The disorder is fatal without treatment. Early treatment is important to decrease the chance of long term developmental delays. Some babies with early treatment have developed normally without any intellectual disabilities. There are less than 50 known cases of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent epilepsy as of 2015.