[Alkaptonuria: evolution and course of the disease towards ochronotic arthropathy. Series of cases managed with joint replacement].

Abstract

Introduction: alkaptonuria is a very rare metabolic disease with autosomal recessive inheritance due to HGA oxidase deficiency. Classically described and diagnosed in the third to fourth decade of life, affecting both men and women; Its diagnostic impression is clinical based on the blue/black coloration of the conjunctivae, however it is confirmed by the specific analysis of the enzyme in the urine, to date there is no cure and its treatment is palliative and symptomatic.

Material and methods: descriptive, observational, case series study, the primary objective of which is to describe the progression of the disease and its involvement in the musculoskeletal system.

Results: two clinical cases are presented in women and men in which the broad clinic is illustrated, its progressive advance and the different alterations that it can generate in the musculoskeletal system.

Conclusions: alkaptonuria is a rare disease which leads to a severe secondary arthropathy, currently without a specific management which is based on treating the symptoms, in its final stages joint replacements are a management option with satisfactory results for the relief of pain.