Strategies for the treatment of cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency: the experience of the Willink Biochemical Genetics Unit over the past 30 years

Abstract

Strategies for the treatment of cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) deficiency include (1) increasing residual enzyme activity by giving pyridoxine in those patients with vitamin responsive variants, (2) reducing the load on the affected pathway with a low methionine diet and supplementing the diet with cysteine; and (3) giving betaine in order to utilise alternative pathways to remove homocyst(e)ine. In our experience of over 30 years in the diagnosis and management of patients with CBS deficiency, a normal outcome can only be achieved in patients diagnosed and treated from infancy. Pyridoxine combined with folic acid prevents further deterioration in pyridoxine responsive patients. Dietary treatment of patients with non-pyridoxine responsive CBS deficiency becomes more difficult outside childhood but since late complications are not uncommon must be continued for life. Betaine can be effective in this group but compliance is often poor.