Need Help?

Longitudinal Study of Urea Cycle Disorders

Individuals with Urea Cycle Disorders (UCD) cannot remove ammonia, a waste product, from the blood. The purpose of this study is to conduct a longitudinal investigation of the natural history, morbidity, and mortality in people with UCD. This study will look at how people with a UCD grow and develop over time and how often they get sick.

The research questions are:

  1. What is the prevalence of specific morbid indicators of disease severity, including hyperammonemia, developmental disabilities, and various long-term kidney and liver effects? What is the fatality rate associated with the various forms of UCD?
  2. What are the correlations between various biomarkers and disease severity and progression?
  3. What is the safety and efficacy of currently used and new UCD therapies?

This is a longitudinal study of individuals with urea cycle disorders. Those participating in this study will be evaluated every three to twelve months, depending age and time of diagnosis. Participants two years of age and younger that were diagnosed with UCD within the first four weeks of life will be evaluated every three months. Those who are over two years of age or were diagnosed after four weeks of age will be evaluated every six months. Participants older than 18 years of age will be evaluated once every year.