Treatment:

Some patients benefit from high-dose vitamin C. This has been shown to decrease the build-up of brown pigment in the cartilage and may slow the development of arthritis.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is expected to be good.

Complications:

People with this condition also can get arthritis in adulthood. The build-up of homogentisic acid in the cartilage causes arthritis in about 50% of older adults with alkaptonuria.

• Homogentisic acid also can build up on the heart valves, especially the mitral valve. This can sometimes lead to the need for valve replacement.
• Coronary artery disease may develop earlier in people with alkaptonuria.
• Kidney stones and prostate stones may be more common in people with alkaptonuria.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you notice that your own urine or your child's urine becomes dark brown or black when it is exposed to air.