Newborn Screening
Homocystinuria (Classic)
Guidance for primary care clinicians receiving a positive newborn screen result
Description
Classic homocystinuria is caused by a deficiency of cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) enzyme activity that results in the inability to metabolize homocysteine to cystathionine, resulting in increased levels of homocysteine and methionine. A variant that represents a minority of cases is responsive to vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), but this type may be missed by newborn screening. Elevated homocysteine impairs the function of several proteins (including fibrillin), thereby interfering with the formation of disulfide bonds and impairing endothelial function. As a result, untreated patients are at significant risk for thromboembolic events, making up the leading cause of morbidity and early death in affected patients.
Clinical Characteristics
- Developmental delay
- Emotional and behavioral challenges
- Thromboembolism
- Ectopia lentis (dislocation of the ocular lens) or severe myopia (nearsightedness)
- Marfanoid habitus: tall/ thin build; long fingers, arms, and legs
- Genu valgum (knock knees), pes cavus (high arch)
- Osteoporosis
- Decreased hair, skin, iris pigmentation
- Seizures
- Vascular disease and stroke
- Extrapyramidal signs (e.g., dystonia)
- Psychiatric abnormalities
- Intellectual disability
Incidence
Primary Care Management
Next Steps After a Positive Screen
- Contact the family and evaluate the infant for poor feeding or other problems.
- Urgent treatment is not likely to be needed in the newborn period, but patients should be referred immediately to Biochemical Genetics (Metabolics) (see NW providers [1]) (see ACT Sheet for Methionine (Homocystinuria) (ACMG) for additional information).
Confirming the Diagnosis
- To confirm the diagnosis of homocystinuria, work with Newborn Screening Services (see NW providers [1]).
- Diagnosis will be confirmed by quantitative plasma amino acid analysis and total plasma homocysteine. Homocysteine measured on plasma amino acid analysis only measures free homocysteine, so a separate total homocysteine sample is necessary. Confirmed by markedly increased total homocysteine and methionine. A normal homocysteine with highly elevated methionine is not consistent with homocystinuria and requires further evaluation for hypermethioninemia - see Confirmatory Algorithm for Elevated Methionine +/- Elevated Homocysteine (ACMG).
- The diagnosis also can be confirmed by identifying biallelic pathogenic variants in CBS through genetic testing. Enzyme analysis of CBS activity may also be performed if genetic testing is indeterminant.
If the Diagnosis is Confirmed
- A dietician may work with the family to devise an optimal approach to dietary management. See Nutrition, Metabolic (see NW providers [11]).
- Refer the family to Genetic Testing and Counseling (see NW providers [6]).
- Educate the family regarding signs, symptoms, and the need for urgent care when the infant becomes ill (see Homocystinuria - Information for Parents (STAR-G)).
- The geneticist may want to do a pyridoxine (B6) trial prior to starting treatment to evaluate B6 responsiveness.
- Assist in implementation and maintenance of a diet low in methionine and protein.
- Provision of vitamin B6, betaine, vitamin B12, and methylfolate may be indicated.
- For those identified after irreversible consequences, assist in management, particularly with developmental and educational interventions.
- CBS enzyme replacement therapy is currently in the clinical trial phase for patients who may be interested.
Resources
Information & Support
Related Portal Content
Homocystinuria (Classic)
Assessment and management information for the primary care
clinician caring for the child with
homocystinuria.
Homocystinuria (FAQ)
Answers to questions families often have about caring for their
child with homocystinuria.
After a Diagnosis or Problem is Identified
Families can face a big change when their baby tests positive for
a newborn condition. Find information about A New Diagnosis - You Are Not Alone;
Caring for Children with Special Health Care Needs; Assistance in Choosing
Providers; Partnering with Healthcare Providers; Top Ten Things to Do After a
Diagnosis.
For Professionals
Communicating Newborn Screening Results to Families (ACHDNC)
One-page guide to help clinicians effectively communicate positive newborn screening results to parents; Advisory Committee
on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children.
Homocystinuria (GeneReviews)
Detailed information addressing clinical characteristics, diagnosis/testing, management, genetic counseling, and molecular
pathogenesis; from the University of Washington and the National Library of Medicine.
Disease InfoSearch for Homocystinuria (Genetic Alliance)
Comprehensive compilation of links to information, articles, research, case studies, genetics, and more.
Homocystinuria (OMIM)
Information about clinical features, diagnosis, management, and molecular and population genetics; Online Mendelian Inheritance
in Man, authored and edited at the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Homocystinuria - Information for Professionals (STAR-G)
Contains a structured list of information about homocystinuria; Screening, Technology, and Research in Genetics.
For Parents and Patients
Homocystinuria - Information for Parents (STAR-G)
A fact sheet, written by a genetic counselor and reviewed by metabolic and genetic specialists, for families who have received
an initial diagnosis of this newborn disorder; Screening, Technology and Research in Genetics.
Genetic Testing Information - Homocystinuria (MedlinePlus)
Information for families that includes description, frequency, causes, inheritance, other names, and additional resources;
from the National Library of Medicine.
Tools
ACT Sheet for Methionine (Homocystinuria) (ACMG)
Provides recommendations for clinical and laboratory follow-up of the newborn with out-of-range screening results, along with
national and local resources for clinicians and families; American College of Medical Genetics.
Confirmatory Algorithm for Elevated Methionine +/- Elevated Homocysteine (ACMG)
An algorithm of the basic steps involved in determining the final diagnosis of an infant with a positive newborn screen; American
College of Medical Genetics.
Services for Patients & Families Nationwide (NW)
| Service Categories | # of providers* in: | NW | Partner states (4) (show) | | NM | NV | RI | UT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemical Genetics (Metabolics) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | ||||
| Genetic Testing and Counseling | 6 | 6 | 12 | 8 | 11 | ||||
| Medical Genetics | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 7 | ||||
| Newborn Screening Services | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| Nutrition, Metabolic | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 11 | ||||
For services not listed above, browse our Services categories or search our database.
* number of provider listings may vary by how states categorize services, whether providers are listed by organization or individual, how services are organized in the state, and other factors; Nationwide (NW) providers are generally limited to web-based services, provider locator services, and organizations that serve children from across the nation.
Authors & Reviewers
| Author: | Christopher Torsitano, MD |
| Senior Author: | Brian J. Shayota, MD, MPH |
| Reviewer: | Nancy C. Rose, MD |
| 2022: update: Christopher Torsitano, MDA; Brian J. Shayota, MD, MPHSA |
| 2021: update: Christopher Torsitano, MDA; Brian J. Shayota, MD, MPHSA |
| 2012: first version: Nicola Longo, MD, Ph.D.A |
Page Bibliography
Shinawi M.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and cobalamin disorders.
Mol Genet Metab.
2007;90(2):113-21.
PubMed abstract