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Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency
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Copyright 2000, 2002, 2003
Synonyms of Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency
- 4-Hydroxybutyric Aciduria
- SSADH Deficiency
Disorder Subdivisions
General Discussion
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency is a rare inborn error of metabolism that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. In individuals with the disorder, deficient activity of the SSADH enzyme disrupts the metabolism of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a natural chemical known as a "neurotransmitter" that serves to inhibit the electrical activities of nerve cells (inhibitory neurotransmitter). SSADH deficiency leads to abnormal accumulation of the compound succinic semialdehyde, which is reduced or converted to 4-hydroxybutyric acid, also known as GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid). GHB is a natural compound that has a wide range of effects within the nervous system. The "hallmark" laboratory finding associated with SSADH deficiency is elevated levels of GHB in the urine (i.e., 4-hydroxybutyric or gamma-hydroxybutyric aciduria), the liquid portion of the blood (plasma), and the fluid that flows through the brain and spinal canal (cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]).
SSADH deficiency leads to various neurological and neuromuscular symptoms and findings. These abnormalities may be extremely variable from case to case, including among affected members of the same families (kindreds). However, most individuals with SSADH deficiency are affected by mild to severe mental retardation, delays in the acquisition of skills requiring the coordination of mental and physical activities (psychomotor retardation), and delays in language and speech development. In addition, in some cases, initial findings may include diminished muscle tone (hypotonia), an impaired ability to coordinate voluntary movements (ataxia), and/or episodes of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain (seizures). Some affected individuals may also have additional abnormalities, such as decreased reflex reactions (hyporeflexia); involuntary, rapid, rhythmic eye movements (nystagmus); increased muscular activity (hyperkinesis); and/or behavioral abnormalities.
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Organizations related to Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency
- Arc (a national organization on mental retardation)
1010 Wayne Ave
Suite 650
Silver Spring MD 20910
Phone #: 301-565-3842
800 #: 800-433-5255
e-mail: info@thearc.org
Home page: http://www.thearc.org/
- CLIMB (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases)
Climb Building
176 Nantwich Road
Crewe Intl CW2 6BG
Phone #: +44- 87-0 7700 325
800 #: --
e-mail: info.svcs@climb.org.uk
Home page: http://www.CLIMB.org.uk
- Epilepsy Foundation
8301 Professional Place
Landover MD 20785
Phone #: 301-459-3700
800 #: 800-332-1000
e-mail: info@efa.org
Home page: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org
- Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg MD 20898-8126
Phone #: 301-251-4925
800 #: 888-205-2311
e-mail: ordr@od.nih.gov
Home page: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/Default.aspx
- Madisons Foundation
PO Box 241956
Los Angeles CA 90024
Phone #: 310-264-0826
800 #: N/A
e-mail: getinfo@madisonsfoundation.org
Home page: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org
- March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains NY 10605
Phone #: 914-997-4488
800 #: 888-663-4637
e-mail: Askus@marchofdimes.com
Home page: http://www.marchofdimes.com
- NIH/National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (Preg & Perinat)
Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch
6100 Executive Blvd Rm 4B03
Bethesda MD 20892-7510
Phone #: 301-496-5575
800 #: --
e-mail: BOCKR@mail.nih.gov
Home page: http://www.nichd.nih.gov
- NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Endocrine Diseases Metabolic Diseases Branch
2 Information Way
Bethesda MD 20892-3570
Phone #: 301-654-3810
800 #: --
e-mail: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov
Home page: http://www.niddk.nih.gov
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda MD 20824
Phone #: 301-496-5751
800 #: 800-352-9424
e-mail: me20t@nih.gov
Home page: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
- Pediatric Neurotransmitter Disease Association (PND Association)
6 Nathan Drive
Plainview NY 11803
Phone #: 516-937-0049
800 #: --
e-mail: PND@PNDAssoc.org
Home page: http://www.pndassoc.org
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