Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a rare inborn error of purine metabolism characterized by the absence or deficiency of the activity of the enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT). Purines are nitrogen-containing compounds found in many foods (e.g., organ meats, poultry, and legumes). In the absence of HPRT, the purines hypoxanthine and guanine are not built into nucleotides. Uric acid levels are abnormally high in people with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and sodium urate crystals may abnormally accumulate in the joints and kidneys.