ABSTRACT
Metabolic diseases of the nervous system vary considerably in their clinical and pathological aspects. In neurological presentations of these disorders dominate mental retardation and epileptic syndrome. We have studied 27 patients of age from 3 months to 3 years: PKU -- 15 cases; homocystinuria -- 4; hyper-prolinemia -- 1; methylmalonic acidemia -- 5 and combined disorders -- 2. Epileptic syndrome was revealed in 21 patients, mental retardation in 1, spasticity in 5 and ataxia in 1 patient. Epileptic syndrome was presented with generalized seizures (grand mal -- 6 cases, myoclonic absences -- 13 cases) and partial seizures (simple motor -- 2 cases). Investigations did not found reliable correlations between certain forms of enzymophaties and EEG patterns. Patients were treated by pathogenic (dietary management with protein-modified diet and vitamin therapy) and symptomatic (anticonvulsants) treatment. We have achieved the positive therapeutic effect by pathogenic and anticonvulsive treatment in 11 patients. All these patients were from the first group (1-3 year). The best outcome was observed in the cases of the early diagnosed PKU. The most severe mental retardation and resistant epilepsy were revealed in patients with combined disorders of metabolism and vitamin-non-responsive forms of MMA and HCS.
