GTP cyclohydrolase deficiency; intrafamilial variation in clinical phenotype, including levodopa responsiveness
- Richard Robinsona,
- Gillian T McCarthyb,
- Oliver Bandmannc,
- Michael Dobbied,
- Robert Surteesd,
- Nicholas W Woodc
- aDepartment of Paediatrics, Guy’s Hospital, London, UK, bChailey Heritage, East Sussex, London, UK, cInstitute of Neurology, London, UK, dInstitute of Child Health, London, UK
- Professor R O Robinson, Newcomen Centre, Guy’s Hospital, St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RT, UK.
- Received 17 November 1997
- Revised 27 July 1998
- Accepted 18 August 1998
Abstract
A family with a dominant form of partial GTP cyclohydrolase deficiency is described. Clinical severity varied from mild involvement with complete responsiveness to levodopa to severe dystonia precluding any voluntary activity including talking, progressive contractures, and only partial responsiveness to levodopa. Although there are several possible reasons for intrafamilial variability, any patient with dystonia, the cause of which is not clearly identified, should receive a trial of levodopa.
