Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Establishment of a Mouse Model with Cough Hypersensitivity via Inhalation of Citric Acid
Published on: January 10, 2025
Citrullinemia with an atypical presentation: persistent hiccups. Case report
Halil Degirmencioglu1, Mehmet Yekta Oncel1, Sadik Yurttutan2
1División de Neonatología, Hospital Universitario Maternal Zekai Tahir Burak, Turquía.
Insights
A newborn developed severe encephalopathy and coma within 3 days, initially suspected to be nonketotic hyperglycinemia. Diagnosis was confirmed as argininosuccinic acid synthetase deficiency (citrullinemia), a metabolic disorder.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neonatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Encephalopathy in neonates presents a diagnostic challenge.
- Inborn errors of metabolism can manifest with neurological symptoms and hiccups.
Observation:
- A neonate presented with encephalopathy and persistent hiccups within 72 hours of life.
- Initial sepsis workup and CSF analysis were unremarkable.
Findings:
- Metabolic evaluation revealed hyperammonemia and hypercitrullinemia.
- Normal CSF/plasma glycine ratio excluded nonketotic hyperglycinemia.
- Argininosuccinic acid synthetase deficiency (ASD; citrullinemia) was diagnosed.
Implications:
- Neonatal onset ASD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of encephalopathy with hiccups.
- Early identification of metabolic disorders is crucial for timely intervention.
- This case highlights the importance of comprehensive metabolic screening in neonates with unexplained neurological symptoms.
Abstract:
We report an infant who developed encephalopathy within the first 3 days of life. He had persistent hiccups that progressed to deep coma 72 hours after admission. The sepsis parameters and cerebrospinal fluid examination (CSF) were normal. The metabolic evaluation confirmed hyperammonemia, and hypercitrullinemia. The ratio of CSF/plasma glycine concentration was normal. This did not agree with our initial diagnosis of nonketotic hyperglycinemia where hiccups is present more often. Neonatal onset of argininosuccinic acid synthetase deficiency (ASD; citrullinemia) should be brought in mind in the differential diagnosis of encephalopathy in association with hiccups in the neonatal period suggesting inborn errors of metabolism.
More Related Videos
05:28Evaluation of a Reliable Biomarker in a Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Mouse Model of Sepsis
Published on: December 9, 2022
07:05Important Endpoints and Proliferative Markers to Assess Small Intestinal Injury and Adaptation using a Mouse Model of Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis
Published on: May 12, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...
Gastritis II: Pathophysiology
Huntington Disease l: Introduction
Esophageal Achalasia
What is Monogastric Digestion?
Acute Respiratory Failure-III