Identification of a new mutation in the human xanthine dehydrogenase responsible for xanthinuria type I

Hereditary xanthinuria is a rare, autosomal and recessive disorder characterized by severe hypouricemia and increased xanthine excretion, caused by a deficiency of xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase (XDH/XO, EC: 1.17.1.4/1.17.3.2) in type I, or by a deficiency of XDH/XO and aldehyde oxidase (AOX, EC: 1.2.3.1) in type II.

We describe a novel point mutation in the XDH gene in homozygosis found in a patient with very low serum and urine levels of uric acid, together with xanthinuria. He was asymptomatic but renal calculi were discovered during imaging.

Additional cases were found in his family and dietary recommendations were made in order to prevent further complications.

Hereditary xanthinuria is an underdiagnosed pathology, often found in a routine analysis that shows hypouricemia. It is important for Laboratory Medicine to acknowledge how to guide clinicians in the diagnosis.