Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency

Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is an inherited disorder that affects the way nerve cells (neurons) transmit information to other cells.

Signs and symptoms of AADC deficiency typically appear in the first six months of life. Affected infants may have feeding problems, weak muscle tone (hypotonia), and sleep disturbances. Most children with AADC deficiency experience episodes called oculogyric crises that involve involuntary upward-rolling movements of the eyes. Additional signs and symptoms typically include developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. 

Movement disorders are common in people with AADC deficiency. Involuntary movements that can occur in people with AADC deficiency include muscle contractions that may cause unusual body positions (dystonia) and writhing movements of the limbs (athetosis). Dystonia tends to become worse when the individual is tired, but it usually improves after sleep. Affected individuals may also experience slow or diminished movements (hypokinesia). 

AADC deficiency may also affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body processes such as the regulation of blood pressure and body temperature. This can lead to signs and symptoms such as droopy eyelids (ptosis), constriction of the pupils of the eyes (miosis), inappropriate or impaired sweating, nasal congestion, drooling, poor control of body temperature, low blood pressure (hypotension), low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), and abnormal heart rhythms.

People with AADC deficiency have an increased risk of infection, which can lead to life-threatening complications.