Glutathione Synthetase Deficiency
Glutathione synthetase deficiency is a genetic metabolic disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce an important substance called glutathione. People with glutathione synthetase deficiency do not have enough of the molecule called glutathione synthetase, which helps the body produce glutathione. People with glutathione synthetase deficiency can have mild, moderate, or severe disease. The signs and symptoms of the deficiency may include anemia, the buildup of too much acid in the body (metabolic acidosis), frequent infections, and symptoms caused by problems in the brain including seizures, intellectual disability, and loss of coordination (ataxia).
Glutathione synthetase deficiency is caused by genetic changes (pathogenic variants or mutations) in the GSS gene. The deficiency is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Diagnosis of a metabolic disorder such as glutathione synthetase deficiency may be suspected when a doctor observes signs of the deficiency including metabolic acidosis. A doctor may order tests to confirm the diagnosis including enzyme assays, urine analysis, and genetic testing. Treatment for glutathione synthetase deficiency may include sodium bicarbonate to treat metabolic acidosis and taking vitamin supplements.
Glutathione synthetase deficiency is caused by genetic changes (pathogenic variants or mutations) in the GSS gene. The deficiency is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Diagnosis of a metabolic disorder such as glutathione synthetase deficiency may be suspected when a doctor observes signs of the deficiency including metabolic acidosis. A doctor may order tests to confirm the diagnosis including enzyme assays, urine analysis, and genetic testing. Treatment for glutathione synthetase deficiency may include sodium bicarbonate to treat metabolic acidosis and taking vitamin supplements.