Investigation of alanine, propionylcarnitine (C3) and 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine (C5-OH) levels in patients with partial biotinidase deficiency

Abstract

Abstract Background Biotinidase deficiency is a treatable metabolic disease that can be seen with various neurological and dermatological complications. Biomarkers such as alanine, propionylcarnitine (C3) and 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine (C5-OH), which are used to diagnose biotinidase deficiency, are also present. Materials and methods In cases with partial biotinidase deficiency and normal biotinidase activity, alanine, C3 and C5-OH levels were compared in the field by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results There was no significant difference between subjects with partial biotinidase deficiency and those with normal biotinidase activity between C3 and C5-OH levels. The mean alanine levels in heel blood and plasma were significantly higher than those with normal biotinidase activity in patients with partial biotinidase deficiency. Conclusion In cases with partial biotinidase deficiency, the heel blood alanine level that can be detected in the neonatal screening program may be a leading marker in diagnosis.