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Lesch-Nyhan syndrome - Treatment

Treatment:

No specific treatment exists for Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. The gout medication allopurinol successfully decreases uric acid levels, but does not improve the neurological outcome.

Some symptoms may be relieved with the drugs carbidopa/levodopa, diazepam, phenobarbital, or haloperidol.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is likely to be poor. Persons with this syndrome usually require assistance walking and sitting and generally need a wheelchair to get around.

Complications:

Severe, progressive disability is likely.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if signs of this illness appear in your child or if there is a history of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome in your family.

Reviewed last on: 5/8/2008
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Harris J. Disorders of Purine and Pyrimidine Metabolism.In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: Chap. 89.

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