A novel de novo missense OTC mutation in an Iranian girl: a case report.

Abstract

Objectives: Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is the most common inborn error of the urea cycle, caused by mutations in the OTC gene located on the X chromosome. OTCD presents in early and late-onset forms, with variable severity. Despite the high genetic heterogeneity, genotype-phenotype correlations help in prognosis and treatment planning. This study presents a novel missense mutation in an Iranian girl with OTCD, occurring de novo, contributing to the understanding of the disease's genetic landscape.

Case presentation: A 2-year-old girl from a consanguineous marriage presented with nausea, recurrent vomiting, and seizure. Elevated plasma ammonia, liver enzyme tests, and hepatomegaly suggested metabolic disorders. Following whole exome test, a novel heterozygous missense mutation in exon 7 of the OTC gene (c.674C>T) was identified in the patient. Despite maternal and paternal testing, no mutation was detected.

Conclusions: Identifying new mutations in populations helps mitigate the high mortality rates associated with OTCD hyperammonemic episodes and provides the best course of treatment, especially considering the diverse phenotypic variations.