Biochemistry · Amino Acid Metabolism and Urea Cycle (Disorders, Phenylketonuria)

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome results from HGPRT deficiency. The characteristic neurological finding that distinguishes it from simple gout is:

  • A Self-mutilating behaviour, choreoathetosis, and intellectual disability
  • B Progressive ataxia and cerebellar signs
  • C Peripheral neuropathy and demyelination
  • D Seizures and microcephaly without uric acid elevation
Correct answer: A. Self-mutilating behaviour, choreoathetosis, and intellectual disability

Explanation

HGPRT (hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase) deficiency causes complete loss of purine salvage, leading to massive uric acid overproduction with gout plus characteristic neurological features: self-mutilating behaviour (lip/finger biting), choreoathetosis, spasticity, and intellectual disability due to dopaminergic pathway dysfunction in the basal ganglia. Cerebellar ataxia and peripheral neuropathy are not features. Seizures are not the hallmark.

Reference: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 32nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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