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Hereditary fructose intolerance: A comprehensive review
Sumit Kumar Singh1, Moinak Sen Sarma2
1Department of Pediatrics, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and PGI, Indore 453555, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Insights
Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is a rare genetic disorder caused by aldolase B deficiency. Strict avoidance of fructose, sucrose, and sorbitol (FSS) is crucial for managing HFI and ensuring a normal lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Metabolic disorders
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder.
- It results from mutations in the aldolase B gene on chromosome 9q22.3.
- Fructose metabolism disruption leads to toxic accumulation of fructose 1-phosphate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of hereditary fructose intolerance.
- To increase awareness of this rare but treatable genetic disorder.
- To discuss management strategies and clinical manifestations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of hereditary fructose intolerance.
- Analysis of clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches.
- Evaluation of dietary management and long-term outcomes.
Main Results:
- HFI commonly affects children with gastrointestinal symptoms, feeding issues, hypoglycemia, and aversion to sweets.
- Liver involvement includes elevated transaminases, steatohepatitis, and potential liver failure.
- Renal manifestations involve proximal renal tubular acidosis, possibly leading to chronic renal insufficiency.
Conclusions:
- Genetic testing is preferred for diagnosing HFI over measuring aldolase B activity.
- Absolute avoidance of fructose, sucrose, and sorbitol (FSS) is the cornerstone of HFI management.
- Strict adherence to an FSS-free diet leads to an excellent prognosis and normal lifespan for HFI patients.
Abstract:
Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder that occurs due to the mutation of enzyme aldolase B located on chromosome 9q22.3. A fructose load leads to the rapid accumulation of fructose 1-phosphate and manifests with its downstream effects. Most commonly children are affected with gastrointestinal symptoms, feeding issues, aversion to sweets and hypoglycemia. Liver manifestations include an asymptomatic increase of transaminases, steatohepatitis and rarely liver failure. Renal involvement usually occurs in the form of proximal renal tubular acidosis and may lead to chronic renal insufficiency. For confirmation, a genetic test is favored over the measurement of aldolase B activity in the liver biopsy specimen. The crux of HFI management lies in the absolute avoidance of foods containing fructose, sucrose, and sorbitol (FSS). There are many dilemmas regarding tolerance, dietary restriction and occurrence of steatohepatitis. Patients with HFI who adhere strictly to FSS free diet have an excellent prognosis with a normal lifespan. This review attempts to increase awareness and provide a comprehensive review of this rare but treatable disorder.
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