Biotinidase Deficiency Treatment & Management
- Author: Ronald G Davis, MD, MPH, FAAP; Chief Editor: Bruce Buehler, MD more...
Medical Care
- Therapy for biotinidase deficiency is oral biotin, typically administered at an initial dose of 10 mg/d.
- Some patients require higher dosages. If the enzymatic defect is present but does not respond to lower dosages, consider a high-dose therapy (up to 40 mg/d).
- If children are left with residual neurological disease, they may require treatments for developmental delay, spasticity, and bulbar dysfunction in addition to biotin. Newer treatments for spasticity and dystonia associated with inborn errors of metabolism have been reported, including intrathecal baclofen and neurotoxins.
Consultations
- An experienced child neurologist, metabolic specialist, or geneticist should assist in the workup and evaluation.
- A neurologist or a pediatrician skilled in the evaluation of a child who is neurologically impaired should perform follow-up examinations and procedures to document residual neurological injury.
- Children with residual neurologic injury that causes spasticity or dystonia should receive ongoing physical therapy to prevent long-term orthopedic deterioration.
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