Hyperlipidemia associated with alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine therapy for cystinuria

Treatment of cystinuria with alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine has been associated with fewer side effects than traditional therapy with D-penicillamine. In this report, we describe a patient who developed hyperlipidemia secondary to alpha-mercaptoproprionylglycine therapy. This abnormality resolved after the therapy was discontinued and did not recur with lower dose therapy. Patients treated with alpha-mercaptoproprionylglycine should be monitored closely for the development of lipid abnormalities.