Investigation of alanine, propionylcarnitine (C3) and 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine (C5-OH) levels in patients with partial biotinidase deficiency

Abstract

Background: Biotinidase deficiency is a treatable metabolic disease that can be seen with various neurological and dermatological complications. Biomarkers such as alanine, propionylcarnitine (C3) and 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine (C5-OH), which are used to diagnose biotinidase deficiency, are also present. Materials and methods: In cases with partial biotinidase deficiency and normal biotinidase activity, alanine, C3 and C5-OH levels were compared in the field by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: There was no significant difference between subjects with partial biotinidase deficiency and those with normal biotinidase activity between C3 and C5-OH levels. The mean alanine levels in heel blood and plasma were significantly higher than those with normal biotinidase activity in patients with partial biotinidase deficiency. Conclusion: In cases with partial biotinidase deficiency, the heel blood alanine level that can be detected in the neonatal screening program may be a leading marker in diagnosis.