| citrulline is a necessary component of the human | | | | - Vomiting |
| body that helps to process ammonia in the urea | | | | - Altered behavior |
| cycle, some people have conditions that make | | | | - Seizure |
| processing the amino acid a real problem. | | | | - Coma |
| Citrullinemia is a genetic disorder that is inherited | | | | - Mental retardation |
| from your parents. The disorder is caused by a | | | | Citrullinemia is diagnosed typically at birth, but it |
| lack of an enzyme that is necessary in order to | | | | can be discovered later on during tests that |
| process and remove nitrogen from the body. This | | | | identify the levels of citrulline present in the body. |
| enzyme is called argininosuccinate synthetase. | | | | These tests usually involve chromatography. |
| Without this enzyme, the nitrogen accumulates in | | | | The key to successful citrullinemia treatment is |
| the blood in the form of ammonia. The condition | | | | early diagnosis. Prompt treatment can help |
| of having too much ammonia in the blood is called | | | | prevent the accumulation of ammonia in the blood |
| hyperammonemia. | | | | and even death. The most common treatments |
| There are two types of citrullinemia: Type 1 and | | | | used include: |
| Type 2. Citrullinemia Type 1 is diagnosed in infants | | | | - Low-protein diet |
| and children. Common symptoms include: | | | | - Monitoring blood tests |
| - Vomiting | | | | - Medications |
| - Lethargy | | | | A low-protein diet is probably the most important |
| - Lack of appetite | | | | part of treatment. You will more than likely need |
| - Coma | | | | to eliminate foods like fish, eggs, poultry, meat, |
| - Enlarged liver | | | | milk, cheese, legumes, nuts, and beans. However, |
| - Poor growth | | | | protein is still a necessary part of your diet. You |
| - Breathing problems | | | | cannot eliminate it completely. This is why having |
| Citrullinemia Type 2 is diagnosed in adults and is | | | | an experienced metabolic doctor treating you is |
| typically caused by the onset of a liver disorder | | | | so important. A dietician is equally important in |
| during infancy called neonatal intrahepatic | | | | ensuing that you or your child obtains the |
| cholestasis. Common symptoms present in adults | | | | nutrients he or she needs without exacerbating |
| include: | | | | the disease. |
| - Ammonia intoxication | | | | |